Top 20 ADHD Accommodations and Modifications That Work

Meeting the Needs of All Students: Strategies and Accommodations

Creating an inclusive classroom means more than just following IEPs and 504 Plans—it means meeting students where they are and supporting their unique paths to success. Whether you're working with students who have ADHD, special education needs, or language barriers, the right accommodations can make all the difference.

Before we begin…

If you’re looking for a simple reference tool, I created a free printable checklist of the Top 20 Classroom Accommodations to support students with IEPs, 504 Plans, ADHD, or academic challenges.

👉 Click here to grab your free checklist.

Use it during IEP meetings, planning sessions, or classroom support discussions—it’s practical, flexible, and ready to use!

Click HERE to download the entire checklist of over 175 accommodations for kids!

Why Differentiation Is Non-Negotiable

Every student learns differently. Differentiation helps ensure all learners—especially those with ADHD, learning disabilities, or language differences—are engaged and able to access grade-level content. It’s not about lowering expectations; it’s about removing barriers.

When we differentiate, we allow students to thrive in ways that reflect their strengths.

Quick Look: What Is ADHD?

ADHD affects nearly 6 million U.S. children, with symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Students with ADHD may struggle with traditional classroom routines but flourish with the right supports.

Common challenges include:

• Staying on task
• Managing transitions
• Organizing assignments
• Processing instructions

A Smart Approach to Accommodations

Effective accommodations aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a simple, proven process to make them work:

1. Start Small: Choose just 1–2 accommodations at a time.
2. Explicitly Teach It: Model how to use the accommodation and practice it with the student.
3. Set Clear Goals: What behavior or skill are you aiming to improve?
4. Track Data: Observe over time—sometimes behavior dips before it improves.
5. Evaluate & Adjust: Use what you learn to refine your support.
6. Collaborate as a Team: Input from parents, specialists, and general ed teachers is key

20 Accommodations That Help All Students Succeed

These strategies are especially helpful for students with ADHD, IEPs, or 504 Plans—but they benefit every learner in your room.

1. Written Schedules & Assignments: Post daily plans so students know what’s coming.
   
   
2. Advance Notice of Changes: Reduces anxiety from surprise transitions.
   
   
3. Consistent Routines: Builds security and structure.
   
   
4. Movement Breaks: Short physical breaks boost focus and reduce restlessness.
   
   
5. Visual Instructions: Reinforce verbal directions with images or examples.
   
   
6. Chunking Assignments: Break tasks into smaller parts with check-ins or breaks.
   
   
7. Private Cues: Use discreet signals to redirect attention without embarrassment.
   
   
8. Hands-On Learning: Engage students through movement, touch, and exploration.
   
   
9. Flexible Seating: Offer options like standing desks or wiggle cushions.
   
   
10. Transition Signals: Use timers, lights, or sounds to prep for changes.
    
    
11. Color Coding: Highlight key info for easier focus and recall.
    
    
12. Quiet Zones: Minimize background distractions during independent work.
    
    
13. Alternative Responses: Use whiteboards, drawing, or partner talks instead of cold calls.
14. Lecture Outlines: Help students follow along with key ideas already outlined.
    
    
15. Fidgets (when appropriate): Small tools can help regulate focus.
    
    
16. Pre-Transition Warnings: Give 1–2 minutes notice before changing tasks.
    
    
17. Audio Support: Read aloud directions or let students use audiobooks.
    
    
18. Headphones: White noise or soft music can help with focus.
    
    
19. ESL Supports: Use visuals, sentence starters, or translated directions.
    
    
20. Modified Assignments: Reduce quantity—not rigor—based on student needs.

Want all 175+ accommodations in one place?

👉 Click here to get the full checklist for IEP & 504 planning.

Used by thousands of teachers from preschool through adult ed, it’s a must-have for your resource library.

Let’s Talk Task Cards: A Powerful, Flexible Tool

Looking for a hands-on way to implement accommodations with ease? Task cards offer built-in flexibility, movement, and engagement—perfect for supporting attention, differentiation, and transitions.

Here’s how they align with top accommodations:

• Movement-Friendly: Use Scoot, floor games, or card scavenger hunts to keep students active.
• Customizable for Chunking: Assign only a portion of cards based on student ability.
• Visual + Hands-On: Combine task cards with math manipulatives or visuals.
• Built-In Transitions: Moving from card to card creates structure and flow.
• Color & Engagement: Bright designs draw attention and boost motivation.

👉 Click here to explore creative ways to use task cards.

Task cards are a versatile tool that can support a wide range of accommodations, making them a great addition to any teacher’s toolkit. Give them a try, and see how they can enhance your classroom!

Final Thoughts

Meeting the needs of all students is not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

With thoughtful accommodations, consistent strategies, and a toolbox of flexible resources, you can create a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and successful.

Don’t forget to grab your free Top 20 Accommodations Checklist to simplify your planning:

👉 Click here to download now.

You’ve got this—and I’m here to help every step of the way.

Check out these free TPT resources from my store:

Free Place Value Tens and Ones Task Cards

Free Telling Time to the Minute Task Cards

Free Counting Money (Dollars and Coins) Task Cards

Free Comparing Fractions Task Cards

Free Order of Operations Task Cards

Free Adding Integers Task Cards

Click HERE to view my Promoting Success store on TPT.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find teaching resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!