If you have a child with ADHD, you know their struggles with staying focused, organized, and managing their time. This often translates into rushing through tasks, missing important details, and putting off starting assignments until the last minute in school.
The good news is, classroom accommodations can be made to help students with ADHD get the most out of their learning—and they significantly improve your child’s school performance, especially if teachers and parents work together to implement them.
What about Section 504 plans?
If your child has an ADHD diagnosis and attends a public school in the US, they are entitled to school accommodations to meet their needs under the Federal civil rights law called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A Section 504 Plan is a written document that outlines the support and accommodations that will be provided to your child. This can be initiated by talking with your child’s school counselor. An evaluation will then be made to identify their specific needs.
Your input, as well as their teachers’, will help with the evaluation.
6 ADHD School Accommodations for the Classroom
Some common classroom strategies that might be included in a Section 504 Plan are:
Preferential seating: Place the student in a location that reduces distractions, such as near the teacher. Seating that offers movement such as wiggle chairs or standing desks can also be helpful.
Extra time: Give them additional time to complete their quizzes or assignments. As an alternative, students can be provided shortened assignments.
Tips for instructions: Use visuals in addition to verbal instructions, and offer tools to help them keep track of their homework.
One-on-one support: Provide one-on-one tutoring at the end of their class if they have difficulty grasping concepts.
Organization tips: Offer items for organization such as folders or baskets to keep track of assignments and supplies, or extra textbooks to keep at home.
Breaks: Provide movement breaks throughout the day to allow students a chance to calm down or refocus as needed.
Remember, every child with ADHD is unique, and finding the right combination of supports based on their strengths and challenges is important. Moreover, your child’s 504 plan isn’t set in stone. Adjustments can be made as they progress in school.
For more resources to support your child’s journey, our ADHD bundle includes handouts on enhancing memory, completing homework, improving social skills, and more.
*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on September 24, 2024.
