504 Accommodations for Students With ADHD
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal disability rights law passed in the United States. It specifically prevents discrimination based on a disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Schools that receive federal money must provide students with disabilities the same opportunities as those without disabilities. In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act was expanded to include students who struggle with:
- Thinking
- Concentrating
- Reading
- Communicating with others
504 plans are educational plans that make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including the different types of ADHD. Each plan is uniquely tailored to the student’s needs. 504 plans are different from individualized education programs (IEPs). For example, IEPs create plans for special education services, while 504 plans change the student’s learning environment. The goal of a 504 plan is to give students equal footing in education.
"Children with ADHD understand that they behave differently from some other children. This can cause stress and anxiety in a school setting. When they know that there is support for them to help manage and cope with situations, it allows them the comfort to know that they aren’t alone and able to better handle the school environment."
— Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
1. Extended time on tests and assignments
Students with ADHD often struggle with time management (called time blindness) and tuning out distractions. Offering extra time on assignments and tests takes away the added pressure of a tight deadline. It also allows extra time for breaks and stretches during longer assessments. Many people with ADHD hyper-focus on tasks at hand. ADHD accommodations in school often include extended time on assignments, helping students manage transitions between tasks, and maintain focus.
2. Preferential seating
Some students with ADHD find it easier to focus when they sit in a certain spot in the classroom. Choosing a seat that minimizes distractions is a common and helpful modification for students with ADHD. This can be a helpful accommodation for ADHD because it limits distractions and encourages engagement. Teachers can also offer a separate table in a quiet part of the classroom for individual work. Some students need additional guidance and oversight, so sitting them at a desk next to the teacher can discourage disruptions and hold them accountable for their work in class.
3. Frequent breaks
Paying attention with ADHD can be draining, especially for students learning material that isn’t interesting to them. Teachers can offer additional “brain breaks” to give students a chance to relax between tasks. These breaks may use music or movement to release extra energy. Students can also run errands or hand out papers to fellow students in the classroom.
4. Use of technology
Traditional schooling methods don’t always work for students with ADHD. Hand-written assignments can be tedious. Many people with ADHD also have learning disabilities, like dyslexia or dyscalculia, that affect their school work and grades. When it comes to ADHD accommodations at school, technology can play a key role. Some teachers will make technology-based accommodations for students with ADHD, including:
- Using calculators on math tests
- Pre-recording oral presentations
- Using a computer to type assignments rather than handwriting them
- Create an organizational system using electronic calendars and online resources
- Giving access to online textbooks
5. Alternative testing formats
Teachers also use 504 plans to create testing accommodations for students with ADHD. Many schools have testing centers that students use to take assessments away from classroom distractions. Some students need extra help understanding test questions. Testing center staff can read the questions aloud to help the student better process the information. They can also help fill out answer sheets or offer extended time for tests.
6. Written or visual instructions
Everyone learns new material differently. Some people are visual learners, while others gather new information through listening or doing. Students with ADHD often need additional support when focusing on new material or instructions. When making ADHD classroom accommodations, teachers will often work with different learning styles to best meet the student’s needs.
7. Reduced homework load
Ask any student if they’d like less homework, and they would say “yes.” For those with ADHD, less homework can be a great opportunity to prevent ADHD burnout. Teachers following a 504 plan can limit the amount of homework students with ADHD get at one time. This helps reduce distractions and lets students prioritize important work first.
"Like their peers without ADHD, students with ADHD can find class workloads overwhelming. However, for those with ADHD, the stress can intensify to the point where they become ‘stuck’ and unsure of what to do next and end up doing nothing at all. Reducing the homework load or breaking it into more manageable tasks can lower anxiety levels and help these students feel more confident in completing their assignments."
— Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
The most important thing is that the student still learns the content they need to know with fewer homework questions. Busy work or repetitive questions quickly become boring and difficult for people with ADHD. Teachers can avoid extra questions and stick to the core information.
8. Organizational support
ADHD affects memory and the ability to plan tasks. To accommodate these ADHD symptoms, students usually need extra help organizing homework and remembering tests. 504 plans can create ADHD classroom accommodations with teachers to help with:
- Writing down and organizing homework assignments in a planner
- Creating a homework folder that the student uses to organize assignments
- Desk and locker organization
- Notebook and binder organization to keep track of notes
- Planning and coordinating with parents to ensure assignments are completed and on time
9. Behavioral support and counseling
School counselors are a valuable resource, especially for students with ADHD. Many are trained to work with children who have learning disabilities. Emotional outbursts, anger, frustration, and nervousness are all common in children with ADHD. Incorporating counseling at school can help students work through difficulties and stay consistent with their sessions.
"When students get behavior support and counseling, it allows them the space to freely express their difficulties and challenges. In turn, it allows the support staff/counselors to help develop skills to help manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy manner. It sets them up to know that they are allowed to ask for help when they need it."
— Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
How to Request 504 Accommodations for ADHD
If you’re interested in requesting 504 accommodations for yourself or your child, start by talking with a counselor or principal. Some schools have 504 coordinators who specifically work on creating accommodation plans.
According to the nonprofit organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), 504 plans start with an evaluation. Most evaluations use information from several sources to decide whether a student needs accommodations. For children with ADHD, information can come from:
- Doctor’s notes
- Test scores and school grades
- Parent notes
- Observations from counselors and others who know the student
It’s important to note that an ADHD diagnosis from a medical professional isn’t federally required to get a 504 plan. However, it does help when asking for accommodations. You’ll want to work with you or your child’s teachers and counselors to gather as much information as possible to support the need for a 504 plan.
Once you or your child is approved for the plan, you can work with teachers and counselors to determine which accommodations are necessary. The plan can always be adjusted to better support you or your child.
Getting Your Child the Treatment They Need
Parenting a child with ADHD requires active support of their educational experiences. 504 plans are just one key piece of ensuring your student can reach their goals without unnecessary academic stress and thrive in school. ADHD affects learning, but it also affects children socially and emotionally. Finding the best resources and making accommodations sets a solid foundation for success.
In addition to 504 plans, parents can also talk to their child’s doctor about ADHD medication and psychological treatments. Most people thrive with the right combination of medicine and behavioral therapy to address as many aspects of ADHD as possible. This approach can help your child reach their potential academically and socially.
With Talkspace, online teen therapy meets you anywhere, anytime. Teens have busy schedules, and virtual sessions ensure they can talk to our licensed professionals whenever it is convenient. Whether you’re looking to help your teen manage their emotions or seeking advice to navigate the challenges of your own ADHD, Talkspace is an invaluable resource for families.
Connect with a Talkspace provider today to learn about online treatment for ADHD.
