504/IEP Plan Safety Net

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To Whom It May Concern,

One characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is

its tendency to wax and wane. In other words, the symptoms of

the disorder may worsen for a period of time and then improve.

Indeed, waxing and waning of symptoms is common not only in OCD

but also in Tourette Syndrome; motor and verbal tics may be worse

at certain times and better at others.

Almost inevitably, OCD symptoms and tics are worsened by situations

or events that cause stress. They also can be exacerbated by such

phenomena as fatigue and illness. Over the years, many parents with

whom I have spoken have indicated that their child's symptoms tend

to be worse during certain seasons of the year and better in

others -- for no apparent reason. This characteristic of OCD

(and Tourette Syndrome) has important ramifications for school

functioning. There may be periods during which a student's symptoms

have waned, and he or she is experiencing relative freedom from, or

at least a reduction in, symptoms. During this time, the student may

require few or even no school-based accommodations and modifications.

When symptoms wax, or worsen, however, the student will need

accommodations and modifications to help him or her function in

school. Therefore, it is most important to have an IEP or 504 plan

in place so that services and/or accommodations and modifications are

available to the student as they are needed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gail B. ,

Assistant Professor and

Educational Psychologist

Northern Illinois University

DeKalb, IL 60115