Recognizing the Signs: When a Student May Need More Support in School

At Children’s Law Center, we work every day to ensure children can succeed in school and in life. But sometimes, no matter how hard a child tries or how supportive their family is, something still seems off. Maybe they’re falling behind, acting out, or avoiding school altogether. And as a parent, guardian, or caregiver, that lingering feeling that your child may need more support should never be ignored.

It

can be hard to know what to look for or when to take that next step. The signs aren’t always obvious. They might show up as late-night tears over homework that never gets finished, constant calls from the school about behavior, or quiet struggles that only a teacher or counselor might catch during the day. One

common red flag is persistent academic difficulty. If a student continues to fall behind even after getting extra help at home, whether that’s reading support, tutoring, or increased structure, it could signal a learning difference that hasn’t yet been identified. Dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders often hide behind poor grades or a lack of engagement. Teachers may describe your child as bright but say they’re not "applying themselves" when the truth is, they may be trying their hardest and still not breaking through. Other

children may be physically present in the classroom but mentally somewhere else. Struggling to stay focused, bouncing from one thought to the next, or being unable to sit still might seem like “typical kid behavior” at first.

But when it begins to interfere with learning or when the child starts to feel ashamed or isolated because of it, that’s worth paying attention to. Sometimes attention issues stem from ADHD or executive functioning challenges. Without support, children can feel like they’re failing at something they don’t even understand. There

are emotional signs, too. Maybe your child used to enjoy school and now dreads it. Maybe there are growing signs of anxiety, frustration, or even depression tied to academic or social stress. Maybe they’ve started having frequent outbursts or retreating inward. It’s not uncommon for children with undiagnosed learning or developmental needs to internalize feelings of failure, or to act out when they don’t feel heard. These emotional responses are often a cry for help, not a sign of disobedience. Behavioral referrals, especially when they become frequent, can also be a sign that a child isn’t receiving the support they need. A child who is disciplined repeatedly without improvement may not need punishment, they may need intervention, understanding, and accommodation that fit their needs. We see this especially in students who are misunderstood, mischaracterized, or whose behaviors are a direct result of unmet needs.

So where can you go from here?

Families often don’t know they can ask for help. You have the right to request a formal evaluation to determine if a child qualifies for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Both can make a world of difference.

An IEP provides tailored goals, specialized instruction, and classroom support for students with eligible disabilities. A 504 Plan, while less intensive, ensures students still receive necessary accommodations to access learning in the general classroom. Both tools are legal protection and both begin with a conversation followed by a written request from your school.

The process can feel overwhelming. You might worry you’re overreacting, or that advocating too loudly will make things harder for your child. But you’re not alone. Your instincts are often right, and nobody knows your child better than you, the parent. If you suspect something deeper is going on, trust that. Keep written records, reach out to teachers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

At Children’s Law Center, we’re here to help families navigate these systems. Every child deserves an education that fits who they are. And every family deserves to know their rights and options and feel empowered to make positive change happen.