What Accommodations Will Benefit my ADHD Child?

As we’re approaching midway through this school year, parents start to ask me if their child will benefit from a 504 or IEP.

In this blog post, I’ll share more about what a 504 plan is and how classroom accommodations may benefit them.

What are accommodations?

Accommodations are any changes to how a child learns material in the classroom.

This may include:

• changes to the way the classroom environment is set up (e.g., preferential seating),

• changes in the way the student completes work (e.g., extended time), and

• ways in which the material is presented (e.g., audio). 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with ADHD receive environmental behavioral support options at school to help with managing their behavioral challenges.

Classroom accommodations are one common way that children with ADHD may be able to receive this behavioral support at school.

What accommodations will my child benefit from?

The first step to identifying which accommodations your ADHD child will benefit from is to understand how their diagnosis is affecting their ability to learn at school.

• For example, because of their ADHD are they frequently getting up from their seat and missing out on instructional time at school?

• Or are they struggling with disorganization that is impacting their ability to turn in and complete assignments?

The accommodations your child receives should be directly related to the challenges they’re having in an educational setting.

How can my child receive accommodations?

In order to receive accommodations, I recommend that the families I work with pursue a Section 504 plan.

A section 504 plan includes accommodations and supports that help children with disabilities such as ADHD but also includes other disabilities.

In contrast, an IEP also includes modifications to the curriculum, so that a child also receives specialized instruction.

Having a Section 504 plan can help children with ADHD be supported in the classroom setting and also facilitate their learning as they transfer to higher grades and take standardized tests.

If your child has a diagnosis of ADHD, they may qualify for a 504 plan, but it is not a guarantee. 

If you are interested in pursuing a 504 plan, it is recommended that you reach out to your child’s school in writing by documenting their needs (e.g., including their diagnosis) and writing a request to your child’s principal, school psychologist, or special education team.

After your request is in writing, that will start the process of determining if your child would benefit from a 504 plan.