Who Protects Students With ADHD When Policy Changes?

In this episode of All Things ADHD, Larry A. Jones, a retired pediatrician, ADHD coach, and parent of children with ADHD, explores who protects students with ADHD when federal education policy feels uncertain. He explains that key disability protections remain enforceable including IDEA, ADA, and 504 plans—while noting that staffing shifts within federal oversight offices may slow complaint resolution. He then unpacks what this means for families and educators at the state and district level, how to escalate concerns when services are reduced, how to strengthen IEP meetings, and why true collaboration between parents, schools, and support professionals is essential for protecting vulnerable students. 

Larry A. Jones, MD, MBA, AACC—known as Dr. Larry—is a pediatrician, father of three sons with ADHD, author, ADHD life coach and international speaker dedicated to helping individuals and professionals move from overwhelm to clarity and confidence. Drawing from clinical expertise and lived experience with ADHD, imposter syndrome, and anxiety, he has a special passion for supporting families and young adults to address generational trauma. In addition he brings his lived experience to medical students, physicians, and other healthcare professionals navigating stress, burnout, and identity challenges. Dr. Jones is the coauthor of Falling Through the Ceiling and the founder of TASTE of Success Coaching, where his mission is “turning ADHD from stigma to stability.”