Can a child with autism receive services under a 504 Plan instead of an IEP?

PostedDecember 17, 2025

UpdatedDecember 17, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Not every child with autism qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). In the United States, some pupils instead receive support through a 504 Plan, which focuses on equal access to education through reasonable adjustments rather than specialised instruction. In the UK, this approach aligns closely with SEN Support under the Equality Act 2010, where schools must make adaptations to meet each child’s needs even without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Understanding 504 Plans and SEN Support

According to the U.S. Department of Education (2025), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects students with disabilities who do not meet IEP eligibility. It ensures access through environmental and instructional accommodations such as flexible testing, sensory-friendly learning spaces, and communication aids. A separate U.S. Department of Education resource (2025) explains that 504 Plans create legally binding accommodation agreements between families and schools to guarantee parity with peers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025) notes that children with autism may receive either an IEP or a 504 Plan depending on whether they need special instruction or only accommodations to participate fully in mainstream education.

In the UK, the NHS (2024) explains that children without an EHCP still receive tailored help through SEN Support, which provides reasonable adjustments, personalised strategies, and access to external specialists. The NICE (2023) guidance reinforces that all schools must make adjustments so pupils with autism can access learning on an equal basis.

Educational rights and collaboration

The Department for Education (2024) describes SEN Support as a graduated, school-level framework that mirrors 504 Plan principles “Assess, Plan, Do, Review.” SENCOs and teachers coordinate interventions, from structured routines to sensory breaks, with parental involvement at every stage.

The National Autistic Society (2024) encourages families to meet regularly with the school’s SENCO to review strategies such as visual timetables, quiet spaces, and communication supports.

Comparative research from Frontiers in Education (2024) found that both 504 Plans and SEN Support succeed when teachers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and parents.

Takeaway

A child with autism can absolutely receive educational support through a 504 Plan in the U.S., or through SEN Support in the UK, even if they do not qualify for an IEP or EHCP. Both systems share the same goal: ensuring that every autistic pupil can access education in an environment that understands, adapts, and supports their unique way of learning.

If you or someone you support would benefit from early identification or structured autism guidance, visit Autism Detect, a UK-based platform offering professional assessment tools and evidence-informed support for autistic individuals and families.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.