Our Blog: Upward Alabama

ADHD Accommodations for Students in Alabama: From Public School (IDEA & 504) to College

By Virginia Rediker, MSW, MPH, LICSW-S

ADHD

Children Teens Young Adults Accommodations

Posted: September 22, 2026

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition rooted in executive functioning: the brain's system for working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and task initiation. A student with ADHD may grasp advanced material easily, yet still lose points for missed deadlines, disorganized work, or lapses in focus during long lectures. Therapy and executive-function coaching build the internal skills students need over time, but they aren't instant fixes. Accommodations help to close that gap by adjusting the environment so a student can show what they know while those skills develop.

Teenage Development and Mental Health

By Virginia Rediker, MSW, MPH, LICSW-S

Teenage Mental Health

Anxiety Depression ADHD Autism Treatment Young Adults

Posted: August 17, 2026

Growing up is tough, and being a teenager brings huge changes inside and out. While teens grow taller on the outside, massive shifts are happening inside their brains. At the same time, teenagers are dropped into a world full of big expectations and new daily pressures. All of these outside stresses mix with how their brains grow to shape how they feel every day.

Making Your Diagnosis Work for You: Navigating Workplace Accommodations

By Virginia Rediker, MSW, MPH, LICSW-S

Workplace Accommodations Reasonable Accommodation Evaluations

Workplace Stress

Posted: May 5, 2026

The modern workplace is a dynamic environment where the intersection of occupational functioning and mental health is increasingly recognized as critical to both individual well-being and organizational success. Employees living with mental health diagnoses often face unique challenges, but with appropriate support, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth, resilience, and high performance. Understanding one’s mental health diagnosis can empower employees to advocate for effective workplace accommodations, fostering both personal and professional development.

Navigating the Transition from High School to College with 504 Accommodation Plans: A Guide for Alabama Families

By Virginia Rediker, MSW, MPH, LICSW-S

504 and IEP Plans

Autism ADHD Treatment

Posted: April 7, 2026

For many Alabama families, the transition from high school to college is a time of excitement and anticipation. For students with disabilities—including neurodiverse young adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and related conditions—this transition also brings new challenges and opportunities. Understanding how educational accommodation plans change after high school is essential for students and parents in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and across the state.