ADHD Accommodations for Kindergarten Through College

How do I seek accommodations?

Your child may be eligible for one of two federally funded plans: an individualized education plan (IEP) or a Section 504 plan.

A 2018 study found that three times more students with ADHD received an IEP than a Section 504 plan.

The two plans are similar but subtly different. Here’s what each plan can offer and how you can apply for each.

Applying for an IEP

An IEP is an individual program to help ensure that a child with a disability or disorder attending elementary or secondary school receives specialized instruction and services.

If you believe your child is having difficulty in the classroom, request an evaluation from their school. There’s no fee to have your child evaluated. You can also have them evaluated by a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

The first step of the evaluation process involves gathering data about a child’s academic differences. Some ways a school may gather information include:

• observing your child in the classroom
• analyzing your child’s school performance
• meeting you (the parents or guardians)
• meeting with your child

To be eligible for an IEP, there needs to be evidence that ADHD is affecting your child’s performance or adjustment to the classroom environment. Having a condition isn’t always sufficient to qualify for an IEP.

If your child is eligible, you’ll work together with the school to decide what will be included in your child’s IEP. The IEP team may include a principal, teachers, parents, and a counselor.

Applying for a 504 plan

If your child has a disability affecting their learning, a 504 plan helps them receive accommodations that will maximize their chances of achieving academic success.

First, your child needs to have a medical ADHD diagnosis to qualify for a 504 plan.

Many school districts and private school organizations have staff members who coordinate Section 504 plans and can assist you with this process. Look on your school website or ask your school’s principal for this person’s contact information.

To start the process, you must submit a written request outlining why you think your child needs the plan. A 504 plan team will then review your child’s schoolwork, observe your child, and interview you and their teacher to see if they’re eligible.

A 504 plan team often consists of a principal, teachers, parents, and possibly a guidance counselor or psychologist. If there’s a disagreement about whether your child is eligible, make a written appeal to the school district or U.S. Office for Civil Rights.

ADHD accommodations for grades K to 6

If your child is eligible for a 504 plan or IEP, you’ll work with their school to develop a list of accommodations.

The type of accommodations a child receives may depend on the type of ADHD they have. Examples of accommodations children in kindergarten through grade 6 may receive include:

• Sitting with fewer distractions: Students with inattentive ADHD may get distracted, so they may be seated in an area with fewer distractions, such as away from windows and doorways.
• Taking tests in a different room: Your child may be able to take their tests in a room that has fewer distractions. They may also be able to use headphones to block out noises or partitions to limit distractions.
• Activity breaks: Children with hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may have trouble sitting still for extended periods of time. The teacher may give your child frequent movement breaks, such as handing out assignments or stretching.
• Allowing movement: Your child may be allowed to do their work while standing or moving between seats.
• Breaking assignments and tests into smaller sections: If your child has trouble completing assignments in one sitting because of distractions, they may be allowed to break them into smaller sections.

ADHD accommodations for grades 7 to 12

Here are a few of the potential accommodations students with ADHD in grades 7 to 12 can receive:

• Project substitution: Your child may be able to substitute projects like written essays for other types of assignments, like videos, posters, or visual presentations.
• Adjustments to test format: Your child may be eligible to take tests in a different format. For example, they may be able to complete an oral test instead of a written test.
• Student mentor: Your child may be seated next to a student who’s less likely to distract them and may help encourage your child to stay on task.
• Reduced homework: A teacher may give your child less homework to focus on quality over quantity of assignments. The child may also receive tools, such as a special assignment book, to help them stay organized.

ADHD accommodations for college or university

To apply for accommodations at the college or university level, you’ll likely need to fill out an application with the school’s disability services center. Many schools allow you to apply online.

Here are some potential accommodations you may receive from a college or university:

• Extra time for exams: Your school may give you extra time for written exams. Usually, they offer time-and-a-half, but it may be more in some cases.
• Reduced course load: In some cases, your school may allow full-time status even with a smaller course load than is typically required.
• Recorded lectures: The school may allow video or audio recordings of lectures. Some schools may also loan out recording devices.
• Notetakers: The school may assign a notetaker to take notes on behalf of a student with ADHD.
• Online learning: A number of accommodations may be available for online learning.
• Audiobooks: The school may allow the use of audiobooks instead of requiring the purchase or use of written books or e-books.
• Lesson transcripts: Instructors can often make lesson transcripts available, especially for massive online open courses (MOOCs), instead of having to take notes during classes.
• Alternative assignment formats: You may be allowed alternative assignment methods of answering questions, such as drawing a picture or making a video instead of giving a written answer.
• Virtual assistance: One-on-one assistance may be available from a teacher or an aide outside regular course hours or during office hours.

Standardized tests

To take AP exams, SATs, SAT subject tests, or PSAT/NMSQT tests with accommodations, a student with ADHD must request accommodations through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities.

Using accommodations without a documented disability can lead to the cancellation of test scores. Find all application materials necessary for accommodations on the College Board website.

Submit accommodation requests for the ACT through the ACT website. Once your child registers for the test, they’ll receive an email about how to work together with their school to process their accommodations request.

Accommodations for standardized tests may include:

• extra breaks, extended breaks, or breaks as needed
• alternative test formats
• 50% extended time
• splitting the test between 2 days
• writing the test in a small group setting

Takeaway

ADHD can make school a challenge, but accommodations can help ensure your child’s academic success. If your child is in grade school, they may qualify for accommodations through an IEP or 504 plan.

To apply for accommodations at the college or university level, you will need to apply through the school’s disability services center.