IEP. 504. IHP. FAPE. IDEA.

If those letters make your head spin, you're not alone.

In this episode of Medical Moms Anonymous, we're breaking down the basics of educational plans for families of medically complex children—and giving you 10 questions to take into your next school meeting.

We'll talk about the difference between an IEP, a Section 504 plan, and an Individualized Health Plan, why your child's diagnosis isn't the whole story, and how to communicate the functional impact of their medical condition at school.

Most importantly, we'll talk about what to ask when you don't know what to ask—and what to do when you and the school don't agree.

Because you don't have to become an educational-law expert to advocate well for your child.

You just need to be willing to ask questions.

This episode is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Educational requirements and procedures can vary by state.

Before the meeting, write down:

1. What my child can do
2. What my child struggles to do
3. What symptoms cause the difficulty
4. What accommodations have already helped
5. What concerns I want the school to understand
6. What I am asking the team to consider

For more information on IDEA:

https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/individuals-disabilities-education-act-idea

Find me on IG & Threads: @medicalmom_jessica

Your child may look completely fine at school while struggling with symptoms that aren't visible from the outside. Fatigue, pain, medication side effects, brain fog, dizziness, sensory challenges, and fluctuating symptoms can all affect a child's ability to learn and participate—even when they don't "look sick."

In this episode of Medical Moms Anonymous, we're talking about how to communicate invisible symptoms to teachers and school staff, explain the functional impact of your child's condition, document patterns, build a collaborative relationship with the school, and recognize when a conversation may need to become a more formal request for support.

Because your child doesn't have to look sick for their needs to be real.

Find me on IG & Threads: @medicalmom_jessica

Boundaries can be difficult enough—but what happens when the people you're setting them with genuinely mean well?

In this episode of Medical Moms Anonymous, we're talking about the complicated reality of setting boundaries with family, friends, church members, and other people who love you but may still leave you feeling emotionally drained. You'll learn why good intentions don't automatically equal good impact, how to communicate boundaries without over-explaining, and why Jesus' example shows us that compassion doesn't require unlimited availability.

Find me on IG & Threads: @medicalmom_jessica