Designing Accommodations from an Understanding of ADHD

Description

Designing Accommodations from an Understanding of ADHD

A 30-page practical guide for 504 teams, special education teams, and classroom educators

Accommodations are critical for supporting learners with ADHD.

And yet:

• Teachers aren’t implementing them consistently
• Students aren’t using them effectively
• Teams aren’t always sure why an accommodation is recommended or how it’s meant to help

“Preferential seating” is written into plans every day, but too often it’s unclear what problem it’s actually meant to solve or how it should be used to support performance.

Designing Accommodations from an Understanding of ADHD was created to close that gap.

This resource equips educators and support teams with a clear understanding of why accommodations matter, what barriers they address, and how to design and implement them in real classrooms, so accommodations move from paperwork to practice.

Rather than offering a simple list of accommodation ideas, this guide explains how ADHD impacts access to learning and functional performance, and how different categories of accommodations mitigate specific barriers. It gives teams the language, structure, and tools they need to collaborate effectively with classroom teachers and implement accommodations with purpose.

What This Resource Does

• Clarifies why students with ADHD may struggle to use accommodations, even when they are in place
• Connects ADHD-related executive function challenges to specific accommodation categories
• Supports teams in selecting accommodations intentionally, not by habit
• Provides implementation guidance so accommodations are actually used and supported in the classroom
• Strengthens collaboration between special education, general education, therapists, administrators, and families

What’s Inside

Understanding the Why Behind Accommodations for ADHD

Gain a clear, practical understanding of ADHD and executive function differences—and how they impact performance, consistency, and access to learning in the school setting.
This section explains:

• Why students with ADHD may “know what to do” but struggle to do it consistently
• How cognitive load, working memory, and regulation affect performance
• Why accommodations are access tools, not shortcuts or supports students should simply “outgrow”

Four Chapters of Accommodation Strategies

Accommodations are organized into the four legally recognized categories:

• Presentation
• Response
• Setting
• Timing

Each chapter explains:

• How ADHD impacts access within that domain
• What barriers students may experience
• How specific accommodations reduce those barriers
• Why the same accommodation can (and should) look different for different students

This structure helps teams move beyond generic recommendations and toward individualized, meaningful supports.

Printable Tools for Decision-Making and Implementation

This resource includes practical, ready-to-use tools designed to support collaboration and follow-through, including:

• IEP / 504 Accommodation Decision Tool
• Presentation Accommodations & Strategies
• Response Accommodations & Strategies
• Setting Accommodations & Strategies
• Timing Accommodations & Strategies
• Implementation Guidance Sheets for classroom use

These tools help teams select accommodations intentionally and support teachers in implementing them effectively.

Who This Resource Is For

Whether you are a:

• School-based occupational therapist
• Special education teacher
• General education teacher
• Administrator
• 504 or IEP team member
• Parent supporting a child with ADHD

This guide prepares you to design and implement accommodations from an informed, functional understanding of ADHD.

By building environments and systems that support performance, we move beyond compliance and toward meaningful access and success for students with ADHD.

What Educators Are Saying

(All reviews from Teachers Pay Teachers)

⭐ Super Helpful Resource for Teachers
December 5, 2025
Rated: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Micaela P

This was such a great resource to give to teachers to help them understand ADHD better.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 15, 2025
Reviewer: Christine M.

This was wonderfully made and thought out. Thank you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 24, 2024
Reviewer: Robin O

I used this to support my Capstone Project as a BT. Well organized, and the examples spurred great conversation on how the “same” accommodation can look different for the individual.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 13, 2024
Reviewer: Bridget M

There is so much in this packet. Thank you—lots there and really well presented.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 7, 2024
Reviewer: Talia H.

What an amazing resource to assist any educator who has kiddos struggling with ADHD. An easy-to-use tool to help design accommodations and/or modifications to support students in class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 25, 2024
Reviewer: Peachy Keen Teaching Scene

This is filled with useful information for accommodations for 504s and IEPs.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 14, 2024
Reviewer: Jennifer T.

This is a fantastic resource for supporting students who struggle with executive functioning skills. Well worth the cost and a resource I return to often.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 9, 2024
Reviewer: Stephanie S

I am very happy with all the information included in this resource. It’s made me feel like I’m supporting students better.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 8, 2024
Reviewer: Analiese S.

I have used this in several IEP meetings for my own child. It has been extremely helpful.