L.J. Ex Rel. Hudson v. Pittsburg Unified School District

INTRODUCTION

This is an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) case of an emotionally troubled young child with suicidal tendencies beginning in the second grade, and with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”) augmenting his disruptive behaviors. Congress created the IDEA to bring disabled students into the public education system by requiring states to adopt procedures to develop individualized plans for such students. Students with disabilities are entitled to special education services to ensure that they receive a “free and appropriate public education” (“FAPE”).

The .Pittsburg Unified School District (“School District”) determined that L.J. was not entitled to special education services because he was not disabled, and its determination was upheld on administrative review. L.J.’s mother filed this action in federal district court to require the School District to provide L.J. with an Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”) to provide specialized services to assist with what she contends are serious disabilities.

The district court reviewed the record and found that L.J. was disabled under three categories defined by the IDEA. It…