We provide evaluations for necessary ADHD accommodations, which are adjustments and supports provided to individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to help them function better in academic, work, and daily life environments. Accommodations for ADHD are typically designed to help manage symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and allow individuals with the diagnosis to reach their full potential. We test children and adolescents for ADHD accommodations for school and adolescents and adults for ADHD accommodations for work. If you have any questions about how testing for necessary ADHD workplace accommodations or those for school would benefit you or a loved one, please feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation anytime.
General Legal Overview 
Accommodations for ADHD may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs, and they often require collaboration between the individual and those around them (teachers, employers, etc.). Legal protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide guidelines to ensure individuals with an attention deficit receive necessary accommodations in schools and workplaces. It usually takes a specific evaluation, such as what we can provide, to get legally protected accommodations for ADHD.
ADHD Accommodations for School
The most effective and efficient way to get ADHD accommodations for school is through psychological testing, such as the ones we provide. You may also be able to get the testing through the school system.
Common ADHD Accommodations for School:
Here are some examples of ADHD accommodations for school to help students manage their symptoms and succeed academically. The goal is to give children who have this diagnosis an equal chance for success as children without it.
1. Extended Time on Tests and Assignments
- Example: A student with ADHD is given 50% more time to complete exams and quizzes, reducing pressure and allowing for better focus on each question. Psychological testing for ADHD accommodations can prove this need by measuring student performance under time pressure.
2. Preferential Seating
- Example: The student is seated near the teacher or at the front of the classroom, away from windows, doors, or other distractions, helping them stay focused during lessons. This accommodation is often arrived at if psychological testing for ADHD is positive, especially if a student has the inattentive type of the diagnosis.
3. Breaks During Long Tasks
- Example: A student can take short, scheduled breaks during lengthy class activities, assignments, or exams to help manage restlessness and refocus. This is also one of the accommodations for ADHD we can test for by measuring fatigue and performance issues as testing wears on.
4. Use of a Fidget Tool
- Example: The student can use a small, quiet fidget tool (like a stress ball) during class to help manage hyperactivity and improve focus without disturbing others. This is one of the ADHD accommodations for school that can be implemented without a formal IEP or 504 Plan.
5. Written Instructions
- Example: Teachers provide written instructions for assignments and tasks in addition to verbal directions so the student can refer back to them when needed to avoid confusion or forgetfulness. On psychological testing for ADHD accommodations, we may notice that the student has trouble with directions given out loud.
6. Use of Assistive Technology
- Example: The student is allowed to use a laptop with spell-check for writing assignments or a voice-to-text tool to help with written tasks, which can compensate for difficulties with writing and staying on task.
7. Chunking of Assignments
- Example: Large assignments are broken into smaller, manageable steps with individual deadlines. For instance, a term paper might be divided into sections: outline rough draft and final draft, each with its due date. This is one of the common adhd accommodations for school that is added for middle and high school as assignments get more complex.
8. Quiet Testing Environment
- Example: The student takes tests in a quieter, less distracting environment (like a resource room) instead of the general classroom to improve concentration and reduce anxiety. We may suggest that after testing if the teacher reports that the classroom noise is distracting. This is one of the more common adhd accommodations for school.
9. Positive Reinforcement and Feedback
- Example: The teacher provides frequent positive reinforcement and clear feedback on both behavior and academic performance to encourage progress and maintain motivation. There are many positive aspects of ADHD, so the student must know that the diagnosis does not mean they have less potential.
10. Modified Homework Expectations
- Example: The student is given shorter homework assignments or extra time to complete them to prevent overwhelm and allow for better concentration at home.
12. Visual Aids and Organizational Tools
- Example: The student uses color-coded folders for each subject and can access visual aids like a wall calendar or planner to keep track of assignments and important dates. IQ testing that we do often points to this strategy if a child with ADHD tends to do better with visually oriented tasks.
School Legal Aspects
These accommodations for ADHD are often part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, which are formalized agreements between the school and the student’s family to ensure the student receives the necessary support.
ADHD Accommodations for Work
Workplace ADHD accommodations are increasingly common because companies are more aware that these changes pay off in satisfaction, turnover, and productivity.
Common ADHD Accommodations for Work:
Here are some examples of workplace ADHD accommodations to help employees manage symptoms and perform their best:
1. Flexible Scheduling
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The employee may start the workday earlier or later than others to align with their peak productivity hours or to avoid heavy distractions, such as commuting during rush hour. They may also take more frequent, shorter breaks to help manage restlessness and sustain focus. Psychological testing may point to these types of ADHD accommodations for work if we notice certain patterns in how the person performs during the testing session.
2. Task Prioritization and Chunking
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: Large or complex tasks are broken down into smaller, more manageable steps with clear deadlines. The manager helps the employee prioritize tasks so they focus on completing one thing at a time, reducing overwhelm and promoting efficiency. Psychological testing for IQ may show that workplace accommodations like this are necessary.
3. Noise Reduction
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The employee may be provided with noise-canceling headphones, a private workspace, or a desk in a quiet office area to reduce auditory distractions and improve concentration.
4. Written and Verbal Instructions
- ADHD workplace accommodations Example: After a meeting or briefing, the employee receives written summaries or step-by-step instructions to complement verbal guidance. This reduces the chances of forgetting key details and ensures clarity on tasks.
5. Time Management Tools
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: Employees may use digital tools like task management software (e.g., Trello, Asana) or calendar apps with reminders and alarms to help them stay on schedule, manage deadlines, and track progress.
6. Regular Check-ins and Feedback
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The manager schedules weekly or biweekly check-ins to discuss progress, clarify expectations, and adjust priorities as needed. This helps the employee stay on track and prevents tasks from piling up due to misunderstanding or confusion.
7. Adjusting Work Environment
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The employee has an adjustable standing desk to allow movement throughout the day or access to ergonomic furniture that helps them feel more comfortable and focused while working.
8. Extra Time for Projects or Assignments
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The employee is granted extra time for completing certain assignments, especially those that require extended periods of focus or complex problem-solving, which can be difficult for individuals with ADHD.
9. Delegation and Multitasking Support
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: Instead of assigning multiple tasks at once, the manager gives the employee one task to focus on at a time, helping reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. If possible, administrative or detail-oriented tasks that are particularly challenging can be delegated to others.
10. Flexible Deadlines
- ADHD workplace accommodations example: The employer provides flexibility with non-urgent deadlines, giving the employee some extra time to complete tasks when they require more focus and energy, reducing stress and improving the quality of work.
11. Visual Organization Systems
- ADHD accommodations for work example: The employee uses color-coded files, labeled drawers, and visible project tracking boards to stay organized and on top of tasks. This helps reduce forgetfulness and confusion, particularly when managing multiple tasks.
12. Private Workspace or Telework
- ADHD accommodations for work example: If the work environment is particularly noisy or full of distractions, the employee is allowed to work from home for part of the week or is assigned a more private workspace to enhance focus and productivity.
13. Job Coaching or Mentorship
- ADHD accommodations for work example: The employee is paired with a mentor or coach to guide how to stay organized, manage time, and deal with workplace challenges. This could be an external coach or a more experienced colleague.
14. Use of Fidget Tools or Movement Breaks
- ADHD accommodations for work example: The employee can use small, discreet fidget tools (like stress balls or fidget spinners) or take short movement breaks throughout the day to help manage hyperactivity and maintain focus. If this is one of the ADHD accommodations for work that a person feels will help, we can try testing them with and without the fidget tool to see if there is a difference in attention and concentration.
15. Training on ADHD-friendly Work Strategies
- ADHD accommodations for work example: The employer provides access to time management, organization, and focus-related training or workshops that are tailored to employees with ADHD. This might include sessions on using productivity apps, mindfulness, or cognitive strategies for improving attention. The use of an EAP may help too.
16. Access to Assistive Technology
- Workplace ADHD accommodations example: The employee is provided with software like speech-to-text applications or digital planners that help them organize thoughts, complete written tasks, or stay on schedule more effectively. After psychological testing these are the types of ADHD workplace accommodations we can recommend, often with specific suggestions.
Workplace ADHD Accommodations Legal Aspects
These workplace ADHD accommodations are often requested through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, including an attention deficit, as long as it doesn’t cause undue hardship to the business. These ADHD accommodations for work aim to create an environment where employees with the diagnosis can thrive and perform their duties effectively.
General Accommodations for ADHD
In addition to adhd accommodations for school or work, there are less formal but often equally important steps a person can take to maximize their ability to overcome their symptoms:
- Structured routines: Consistent schedules help individuals stay organized and on track, and these are accommodations for ADHD that we suggest people pursue through specific suggestions in our reports.
- Use of timers and alarms: External reminders for staying on task and managing time effectively. There are great apps that we recommend for these important accommodations for ADHD.
- Visual organization systems: Color-coding, lists, and visual calendars can help with organization. Again, our report will make specific suggestions that fit your profile and needs.
- Accountability partners: This gives someone to check in with for motivation and support. Therapy groups or informal networks can be very helpful here, and we can help you find one.
How We Can Help
We provide testing that helps students get ADHD accommodations for school and adolescents and adults get ADHD accommodations for work. Legal protections ensure that people get equal opportunities to reach their potential in their environments, and our evaluations are designed to help people get school or workplace accommodations for ADHD that do just that.
If you have any questions about our services or accommodations for ADHD, please feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation anytime.
