Some Recommended Accommodations for
Students With ADD or  AD/HD

·    Avoid unnecessary auditory or visual distractions during instruction.

·    Clearly communicate class expectations, timelines, and evaluation criteria.

·    It may be necessary for the student to take frequent breaks.  Allow the student to leave the classroom for short periods or to intermittently stand up in the back of the classroom.

·    Ask the student questions to ensure comprehension as well as to re-center the student’s focus.

·    Approach lessons in a very systematic manner, repeating and modeling a sequential study pattern for student; present information consistently; lessons should be very organized.

·    Explain changes to the student clearly, using step by step approach; directions need to be sequential and clearly stated in written form.

·    Present key points in the beginning of a lesson and summarize the same key points at the end.

·    Write vocabularies unique to a particular course on the board so the student can see and hear them; connect new vocabulary with tangible, concrete models, pictures, demonstrations, etc.

·    Provide the seating option for the student to sit in the front of the class, at the end of a row, away from windows and open doors or hallways; s/he must be able to see the instructor.

·    Additional exam time may be needed and/or an isolated place to reduce external stimuli.

·    Flexibility in assignment and test form may be necessary; when appropriate, involve the student in short, small group, cooperative, or peer learning activities and allow drawings, models, photographic essays, diagrams, multiple choice, and true-false as methods to demonstrate knowledge.

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