Special Education and Accommodations
Your child's educational needs depend on the nature and severity of the ADHD. The special education classroom may be more suitable for children whose hyperactivity, inattentiveness, behavior, or learning differences require more attention than can be given in the typical classroom.

Accommodations are adjustments made to the regular classroom environment and lesson plans to meet the needs of a child with ADHD. About half of children with ADHD do well in a regular classroom with these accommodations made for them. Accommodations that the teacher may make to ensure your child's success include:

• Seating the child in a quiet area with few distractions, preferably up front and close to the teacher.
• Providing an area where the child can move around to release excess energy.
• Scheduling difficult subjects in the morning.
• Mixing classroom lectures with brief periods of physical activity, such as washing the blackboard or going to the bathroom.
• Keeping assignments brief.
• Allowing the child to participate often.
• Giving the child extra time to answer questions or complete tests and other assignments.
• Providing the student with a simple outline and notes for lectures.
• Providing practice tests or quizzes.
• Allowing the student to use a calculator.
• Preparing the student for transitions or changes in routines, such as field trips or changes from one activity to another.
• Encouraging the student to check in with the case manager regularly.
• Giving immediate feedback and rewards for desired behavior or for achievement.
• Making sure homework assignments are clear and that the student has all the materials needed.
• Providing you with an extra set of books to keep at home.

Your Child's Right to an Education
By law, most children with ADHD qualify for free special education services within the public school system. For example, under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a child diagnosed with ADHD and an adversely affected learning ability is entitled to special education and related services, such as tutors and resource rooms. Typically, the child must undergo an evaluation led by the school team to determine if he or she is eligible for special services under IDEA. Evaluations from professionals outside the school system may also be considered. If he or she is eligible, you and the school team should work together to develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for your child. This plan should identify skills the child needs to improve while defining activities that will build on his or her strengths. It should also establish short-term objectives and goals for the overall school year.

There are several criteria your child must meet to be covered under IDEA. If your child is not eligible, he or she may be covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, another federal law that ensures children with ADHD receive free and appropriate education. These laws are different from each other, so it is important for parents to learn about the eligibility criteria, procedures, and advantages and disadvantages of both laws to determine which one is best for their child.

To learn more about IDEA and Section 504, visit its Web site at United States Department of Education at www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA.