ADHD and IEPs: Creating a Plan That Works
- Abbie Cameron
- May 1
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
"Just focus..." "Stop being lazy"
You've heard it before - maybe from teachers, maybe from family, maybe even from your child or teen, who may feel frustrated and defeated. But you know they are trying their best.
For youth with ADHD, school difficulty is often not about a lack of effort, it is usually due to school being a system that wasn't built with their brains in mind. They are expected to sit still, focus, follow multi-step instructions and stay organized - all things that ADHD may make incredibly difficult.
That's where an Individual Education Plan (IEP) comes in, providing the child with the tools they need to succeed. But let's be real - we all know how difficult and overwhelming navigating the IEP process can be. Between school meetings, confusing educational lingo and figuring our what's actually helpful, many parents and guardians are left wondering: Where do I even start, and what do should I even ask for?
We're here to break it down so that you can walk into your next IEP meeting feeling confident, informed and ready to advocate for the support they actually need and will benefit from.
What is an IEP?
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a personalized document that outlines the specific supports a student needs to succeed in school. For students with ADHD, an IEP focuses on reducing barriers to learning—not by changing what they learn, but by adjusting how they learn. Think of it as leveling the playing field so your child can thrive.
Read more about IEP's in our blog HERE!
The Key to ADHD - Friendly IEPs:
Accommodations:
Accommodations are the bread and butter of an ADHD specific IEP. They don't change the curriculum or lower expectations, they simply give your child the tools to show what they know without ADHD related challenges getting in the way.
Here are a few accommodations that might support your child—this is by no means an exhaustive list!
Instructional Accommodations (How teachers teach and deliver information)
Breaking tasks into smaller steps
Providing extra time to process information
Allowing movement breaks / frequent breaks
Using checklists, timers and visual aids
Giving clear, direct instructions
Using graphic organizers and multi -sensory learning tools
Using mind maps
Environmental Accommodations (Changes to the classroom environment)
Preferential seating (near the front or away from distractions, (standing desk, fidget toys, flexible seating)
Access to a quiet space when needed
Noise reduction strategies (headphones)
Visual schedules or checklists
Cueing during transitions
Adaptive Equipment such as:
• squeeze balls
• play dough
• chewing gum
• sour candies
• straws
• tennis balls on all chair and desk legs
• FM system
• tape recorder
• computer
Assessment Accommodations (Changes to how a student demonstrates learning)
Extra time on tests and assignments
Completing test in quiet settings
Using assistive technology - See our blog on assistive technology HERE
Chunking assignment into smaller sections, or chunked by day.
Allowing oral responses instead of written ones.
And we'll say it again—accommodations don’t make learning easier; they make it possible!
And what about Modifications?
You might hear the word "modifications" thrown around in the meeting and wonder—what's the difference between the two, and which one is right for your child?
Accommodations = Same curriculum, different supports
Modifications = Changing the curriculum itself (e.g., working at a lower grade level)
Modifications are typically used when a student requires significant changes to the curriculum to meet their learning needs. While ADHD alone often calls for accommodations rather than modifications, every child is unique and the right support depends on their individual strengths and challenges.
Learn more about accommodations and modifications HERE
Executive Functioning and Self Regulation
ADHD goes far beyond just attention - it can also effect executive functioning, which includes some of the following skills:
Planning
Prioritization
Organization
Time-management
Self-monitoring
Task initiation
Response Inhibition
Emotional control
Flexibility
Working memory
These skills are interconnected and crucial for success in the classroom and beyond. When ADHD impacts executive functioning, it’s important to understand that it’s not just about paying attention—it’s about how the brain manages and processes tasks, which can vary from student to student.
Check out our blog on Executive Functioning and Strategies HERE
ADHD and Emotional Challenges
While the academic and organizational challenges associated with ADHD are often the focus in the education system, it’s equally important to recognize the emotional difficulties these students face. Many students with ADHD can feel frustrated or defeated by the constant struggle to meet expectations that don’t align with how their brains function.
Common emotional challenges include:
Frustration and Low Self-Esteem
Feeling Misunderstood
Social Struggles
Emotional Dysregulation
Accommodations not only support academic success, but also nurture the emotional well-being of your child. When the right tools, environment, and supports are in place, students are more likely to feel empowered and confident—both in their academic journey and their emotional growth.
How to Advocate for ADHD Supports in an IEP
You are your child's best advocate! Here is how to make sure their IEP actually meets their needs.
Know your rights - If ADHD is impacting learning, the school should provide appropriate supports.
Bring documentation - If possible, provide a psychoeducational assessment, medical diagnosis, or teacher reports that highlight specific challenges. Check out our blog on psychological assessments HERE
Request specific accommodations - Don't settle for vague language. Instead of just "extra time", as for "Time and a half on all tests and written assignments."
Make sure the IEP is reviewed regularly - If accommodations are not working, request a revision. The IEP should be a living document that evolves with your child's needs.
Work closely with the student success team - working as a team to meet your child's needs will create a supportive, collaborative environment that helps your child thrive both academically and emotionally.
Reach out to us! - We know and get how challenging navigating the education system can be, but you are not alone in this!
Need help advocating? Not sure if the accommodations in place are the right fit? Looking for the right executive functioning strategies? Our team of educational consultants, executive functioning coaches, and school psychologists can help!
An IEP isn’t just a document—it’s a blueprint for success. Let’s work together to make sure it’s built for your child’s needs!
Check out some related posts on our socials!
Resources
Ontario Government Information on Individual Education Plans (click here)
Autism Ontario Strategies for Advocating in the School (click here)
Hamilton School Advocacy (click here)
Ontario Special Education Tribunal (click here)
Ontario Government Page on Identification (click here)
Ontario Government Page on Special Education Policies (click here)
ABC Ontario Gifted IEP Recommendation Resource (click here)
CADDAC IEP Classroom Accommodation list (click here)
If you want to get started on support first:
Unsure of what you may need?
#IEP #individualeducationplan #IPRC #specialeducation #ontarioeducation #advocacy#ADHD#Accommodationsmodification#ExecutiveFunctioning#EmotionalRegulation
IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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