Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [1] (AD/HD), formerly classified as ADD or ADHD, may impact a student's classroom behavior and study skills. Some students with AD/HD will need accommodations to help them achieve academic goals. Students may be the best source of information about their needs; teachers should encourage student input on the best accommodations. Teachers can provide support to all of their students, including those with AD/HD, by following practices of universal design of instruction [2].
In addition, accommodations for a student with AD/HD may include
- a quiet work area and seating away from windows, doors, or other distractions.
- opportunities for movement and tactile input. Some students with AD/HD benefit from sitting on a therapy ball [3] instead of a standard chair.
- a safe environment with encouragement and compliments for positive behavior while ignoring minor inappropriate behavior.
- reformatting documents to minimize clutter and providing documents in alternative formats.
- clear and specific instructions.
- breaking long assignments into smaller parts.
- peer assistance with note taking.
- extended time to complete assignments and alternative testing arrangements.
For more information on accommodations for students with AD/HD, consult 83 Accommodations That Can Help Students with Attention Deficit Disorders Perform Better in School [4]. Accommodations recommended for students with learning disabilities (LD) may also be helpful for students with AD/HD. For accommodations for students with LD, consult What are typical accommodations for students with learning disabilities? [5]
References
- [1] Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?308 - [2] universal design of instruction
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/instruction.html - [3] therapy ball
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/http://www.sensoryedge.com/therapyballs.html - [4] 83 Accommodations That Can Help Students with Attention Deficit Disorders Perform Better in School
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/http://www.partnerstx.org/Resources/ADD_ADHD/83Accommodations_ADHD.html - [5] What are typical accommodations for students with learning disabilities?
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?152