504 Plan for ADHD: 9 Accommodations to Consider

Children with ADHD often face challenges in school, from staying focused in class to managing their assignments. However, with the right accommodations under a 504 Plan for ADHD, students can thrive academically and develop essential learning strategies. First, let’s look at how ADHD can impact students' learning, and then we’ll take a look at nine accommodations to consider adding to a 504 plan for students with ADHD. 

The classroom struggle: How ADHD can impact learning

ADHD affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, focus, and impulsivity. This can manifest in different ways at school, such as:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Organizational challenges
• Hyperactivity and fidgeting
• Impulsive behaviors
• Emotional dysregulation
  
  

These challenges can make it tough for children with ADHD to keep up with academic demands and participate fully in class activities. However, by adding certain accommodations through a 504 plan for ADHD, your child can have a level playing field at school where they can learn and succeed. 

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a legal document that provides accommodations for students with disabilities, including ADHD, to ensure they have equal access to education. In addition to ADHD, 504 plans can offer support for children with severe allergies, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, hearing and vision impairments, and other diagnoses. Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan does not modify the curriculum but instead removes barriers to learning by implementing classroom strategies and supports tailored to the student’s needs. 

Key Accommodations for Students with ADHD

While every child’s needs are unique and may change from year to year or even classroom to classroom, here are some accommodations commonly included in 504 Plans for students with ADHD:

1. Preferential seating — Strategically placing your child’s desk can help make a big difference. Preferred seating choices that can be beneficial include sitting near the teacher, away from distractions like windows or doorways, or even in a quiet corner of the classroom. Flexible seating options like wobble chairs, balance balls, or standing desks that can allow for controlled movement. 
2. Organization — Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for children with ADHD. Work with the teacher to create clear daily schedules, checklists for assignments, and color-coding systems for different subjects. These visual prompts can help your child stay organized and on track. 
3. Distractions — Distractions can be minimized in the classroom environment by keeping clutter to a minimum and maintaining a noise-canceling environment as much as possible. These accommodations can also be used during testing.
4. Chunking information — Breaking down large projects and assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks can make them less overwhelming and let your child focus on one step at a time. 
5. Clear instructions — Using auditory cueing to deliver clear and concise instructions can help make sure your child’s attention is on the teacher when instructions are given. Repeating instructions or rephrasing them in different ways may be necessary for better understanding. Written instructions are also helpful and can be incorporated into an assignment book, which can also help with organization.
6. Extended time — Allowing your child to have extra time to complete assignments and tests can make a big difference. ADHD can make it harder for them to process information as quickly as their peers. Using a stopwatch can allow your child to use the same amount of time for testing but in an extended time capacity. They can pause their time to take a quick movement break and then restart the timer when their break is over. This can help them effectively manage their time.
7. Positive reinforcement — A positive reinforcement system, including praise for positive behavior and effort, using reward charts or point systems can be a great motivator.
8. Movement breaks — Short breaks throughout the day can enable your child to move around and refocus. This could be a quick walk around the classroom, walking to the water fountain, running an errand for the teacher, or even some simple stretches. 
9. Fidget aids — Your child could discreetly channel their energy without disrupting the class by touching a textured strip of tape or the rough side of Velcro attached to the underside of their desk. 

How to Request a 504 Plan for ADHD

If you believe your child with ADHD would benefit from a 504 Plan, it’s worth the effort it takes to pursue it so your child can receive accommodations. The process at your child’s school may vary, but in general, here is the process you’ll follow:

1. Submit a Request – Reach out to your school’s special education coordinator (or start with your principal) asking for a 504 plan evaluation. This may need to be done in written form, and email is a good choice. Include your child’s ADHD diagnosis and any supporting documentation from doctors, therapists, or previous assessments.
   
2. Gather Supporting Evidence – Collect any relevant documentation, such as medical reports, teacher observations, standardized test results, or private evaluations, to demonstrate how ADHD impacts your child’s learning.
   
3. Attend the 504 Plan Meeting – The school will schedule a meeting with you, teachers, and support staff to discuss your child’s needs and determine eligibility. Come prepared with specific accommodation requests that align with your child’s challenges.
   
4. Collaborate on the Plan – If your child qualifies, the team will create a written 504 plan outlining accommodations tailored to their needs. Review the document carefully to ensure it includes appropriate support.
   
5. Monitor and Review the Plan – Once in place, regularly communicate with teachers and school staff to ensure the accommodations are being implemented effectively. The 504 plan should be reviewed annually or when the need for adjustment arises. 

The Takeaway

ADHD may present challenges, but with the right accommodations, students can develop strategies to succeed academically. A 504 Plan for ADHD can help create a supportive learning environment that allows your child to manage their ADHD symptoms and reach their full potential. Through collaboration with educators, thoughtful planning, and ongoing support, such as 1:1 Executive Function coaching offered by Beyond BookSmart, your child can thrive in school and beyond. Learn more about how Beyond BookSmart's Executive Function coaching can help you find strategies that work for your child with ADHD.