--- title: Classroom accommodations for ADHD description: "Explore these classroom accommodations for ADHD. Download and print a list of supports for use at school\_— and even at home." slug: classroom-accommodations-for-adhd author: Amanda Morin reviewer: Ginny Osewalt published: '2019-09-27T21:14:33.671Z' date_modified: '2026-03-12T00:00:00.000Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1KwTUneQNRBVbTKcllS0KK/d41c0052cd126658c10bacef1400eb6c/G595349167.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-adhd lang: en --- # Classroom accommodations for ADHD Students with [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-adhd) have difficulty with attention and self-control. At school, that can look like inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization — all of which can get in the way of learning. Here are some common accommodations teachers can use to help students with ADHD. You can also download and print a list of these accommodations. [Common classroom accommodations for ADHD](https://cdn-assets.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/26uhOhyIJy37PRXQ3nSGu3/8cbdd6a710531167ff1bab58381809a0/Common_classroom_accommodations_for_ADHD_Accessible.pdf) ## Setting up the classroom environment - Use [flexible seating](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/low-cost-ways-make-sensory-friendly-chair), like wiggle chairs, standing desks, footrests, seat cushions, or resistance bands on chair legs. - Increase the space between desks or work tables. - Designate a quiet work space in the classroom. - Set up preferential seating close to the teacher and/or away from high-traffic areas. - Post a written schedule for daily routines and rules. When possible, let the student know ahead of time about schedule changes.  ## Building organization skills - Use an assignment notebook or a digital calendar. - Provide an extra set of books to keep at home. - Provide folders and baskets of supplies to keep desks organized. - Color-code materials for each subject. - Provide typed notes or an outline of the lesson to help with taking notes. - Teach [note-taking strategies](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-simple-strategies-for-note-taking), like using graphic organizers and mind-mapping software. - Have a buddy take notes for the student. ## Giving instructions - Give directions out loud and in writing, and have the student repeat them. - Provide a lesson outline that details instructions and assignments. - Keep instructions simple, clear, and concrete. - Use pictures and graphs to help create visual interest. - Provide a rubric that describes the elements of a successful assignment. - Help the student [break long assignments into smaller chunks](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-simple-steps-for-breaking-down-assignments). ## Completing tests and assignments - Allow understanding to be demonstrated in different ways, like oral reports, posters, and video presentations. - Provide different ways to respond to test questions, like saying the answers or circling them. - Minimize the number of questions and problems per worksheet. - Schedule frequent short quizzes, rather than one long test at the end of each unit. - Give credit for work done instead of taking away points for late or partial assignments (with a plan for moving toward completing assignments). - Grade for content, not for neatness. - Give extra time and quieter space for work and tests. ## Managing behavior - Use a [behavior plan](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/behavior-intervention-plans-what-you-need-to-know) with a reward system. - Use a [nonverbal signal](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/behavior-strategy-nonverbal-signals) (like a sticky note on the desk or a hand on a shoulder) to get the student’s attention and indicate the need for things like taking a brain break. - Talk through behavior problems one-on-one. - Check in frequently to monitor the student’s “emotional temperature” or frustration level.  ## More resources Do you have a student who you think has difficulty with attention and self-control? Check out this [fact sheet about ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-fact-sheet). Do you think your child may need accommodations? Get [tips for talking to teachers about ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-tips-for-talking-to-your-childs-teacher-about-adhd). --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-adhd#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-adhd","description":"Explore these classroom accommodations for ADHD. 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