ADHD in the Classroom: Understanding Accommodations and Modifications

Learn about accommodations and modifications for children with ADHD, how to support their learning, and why communication with teachers is key to success.

Key Concepts:

• If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD they have the right to receive accommodations under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This is because sometimes the challenges of ADHD mean that conventional methods of classroom instruction simply do not suffice for our kiddos.
• An accommodation is something that changes “how” your child will work through the classroom curriculum. For example:
  • daily agenda checks between home/school to make sure nothing is missed
  • preferential seating i.e. near the front of the class/near the teacher, etc.
  • ability to leave room without permission
  • peer buddy
  • behavior reward system
  • extended time on assignments,
  • shortened assignments,
  • simplification of directions
  • allowing a student who has trouble writing to give his answers orally
  • additional progress reports
• Modifications go beyond that and change “what” is learned by modifying the content of the curriculum. For example:
  • reduction of homework,
  • reduction of class work
  • simplified vocabulary and concepts,
  • reading books at independent reading level
  • preview tests provided as study guide,
  • picture supports are provided
  • grading based on work completion

Things to try:

• A good first step in this process is to talk to your child’s classroom teacher and find out what they are seeing, what challenges they observe, and what they would suggest.
• There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is important to be in regular communication with your child’s teacher while figuring out which accommodations are effective or if there need to be any adjustments over time.
• Having a more formal plan in place, like an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, is important because it will identify the support your child is entitled to, track your child’s progress, and help ensure necessary accommodations or modifications are being put in place.
• It’s also wonderful to ask your kids for ideas or feedback.  This helps them figure out what helps them the most. It also helps to make sure accommodations are seen as support instead of punishment.
• The classroom can be overwhelming and overstimulating for lots of kids. If you think this is the case for your child, you might explore an accommodation like taking a break from the classroom as needed. Allowing them to get a drink, have a moment of quiet, go to the bathroom, or visit the guidance counselor can all help them to calm down. (If you or the teacher have any hesitations about this being abused you can limit the number of times it can be utilized and/or the length of time throughout the school day.)