School Accommodations for ADHD: Specific Ideas for Hyperactivity

To get accommodations at school, you first must have a formal diagnosis of some kind by a doctor.  Some districts also allow a mental health professional to make a diagnosis as well.  During a special education meeting, the parents will work with the teacher and special education staff on accommodations.    Any child with ADHD should be able to get some accommodations in a 504 plan.  Some children will qualify for more intervention through an IEP.

Homeschooled children do not need a diagnosis, but can also use some of the ideas here.

There are many possible accommodations for hyperactivity.  Not all of them will be effective for every child.  

1)  Allow student to get up and move around during class time.  Student may be sent to do errands for the teacher, or may be allowed to go to a secluded area of the class (like the back) to stretch.

2)  Student may sit on an exercise ball or special seat cushion that allows motion.  Student may use a standing desk.  Student may use mini trampoline between parts of lesson to help expend energy.

3)  Student may be allowed the use of a weighted lap pad or weighted vest (usually prescribed by an OT), if they seem to need sensory input to calm them.

4)  Student may fidget with special quiet fidget toys, fold paper (such as origami), or chew gum in class.

5)  Teacher may not deprive student of recess or gym as a form of discipline.

6)  Recess may be scheduled at a time that works best for the student's needs (i.e. not at the very beginning or end of the day).

7)  Teacher to use reward charting as a means for encouraging good behavior.

8)  Student to use "code words" to ask teacher for a break to get up and move.  For example:  "May I have a bathroom break?" (request for movement break) instead of "May I go to the bathroom?" (request to go to bathroom)

If you have any accommodations for hyperactivity that have worked well for your student and that I have left out, leave a comment!

Everything ADHD Medical Disclaimer
Everything ADHD Privacy Policy