Accommodation Suggestions for Students with ADHD

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For Beginning Activities

• Give small amounts of work
• Provide signals to begin
• Use timers and encourage self-monitoring
• Use verbal and written directions
• Provide additional structure (e.g., large-lined paper)
• Highlight directions using larger fonts or colors

For Keeping on Task

• Increase frequency of positive reinforcement
• Use peer assistants
• Make tasks interesting
• Break tasks into smaller “manageable” units
• Allow breaks
• Use hands-on activities

For Listening

• Teach note taking and encourage use of notebook organizers
• Use positive reinforcement
• Allow doodling
• Allow standing

For Excessive Activity

• Use activity as rewards (errands, wash boards, move desks)
• Allow standing during class
• Encourage active participation
• Reward sitting

For Impulsive Behavior

• Provide acceptable alternatives
• Encourage trying to continue with another part of the assignment before interrupting the teacher
• Recommend note taking during lectures
• Recommend writing down questions and answers before blurting out
• Teach acceptable social behavior for conversations, for class behavior, and for interacting with peers
• Reward listening and appropriate behaviors

For Working Independently

• Ensure tasks match ability levels
• Provide brief directions
• Use brief tasks
• Use checklists for self-monitoring
• Use positive reinforcement

For Following Class Rules

• Keep rules simple
• Post and review class rules
• Model and role-play following rules
• Be consistent with enforcement of rules
• Provide students with copies of rules