THE 504 PLAYBOOK
Your Step-by-Step Guide to School Accommodations for ADHD
You know your child needs more support at school…but figuring out how to get it can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re brand new to the process or have been dismissed or confused by the school system before, this guide will walk you through exactly how to get a 504 Plan in place—with the right accommodations for your ADHD kid or those you work with as a therapist/teacher.
Don’t believe them when they say:
- “Your kid needs to put in more effort.”
- “Your kid isn’t trying hard enough.”
- “Your kid is just seeking attention.”
- “Your kid just needs to follow the directions.”
While your kid might be zoning out in class, losing homework, or constantly interrupting their peers, it’s not because they’re bad or you’re bad at parenting.
It’s because ADHD causes challenges with executive functioning skills like:
- Memory (“Oh shoot, I forgot my homework, or that I even needed to do it!”)
- Planning (“Oh no, this huge project is due tomorrow”)
- Attention (“Wait, what did she just say I should be doing?”)
- Impulse control (“I’m not sure what’s going on anyways, I’ll sneak this game on my computer.”)
…and a lot more!
Level the Playing Field—It’s Your Child’s Legal Right
The goal is to help your child build focus, planning, and self-control over time—but a 504 plan gives them the support at school right now.
A 504 Plan isn’t about giving kids a crutch or making excuses.
It’s about giving your child access to the tools they need to learn, participate, and succeed—just like their peers.
It’s a legally protected plan that outlines specific accommodations for students with disabilities—including ADHD—so they can learn and participate on equal footing.
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, schools are required to provide these supports.
Your child doesn’t have to be failing.
They don’t need to “earn” them.
They just need documentation that ADHD is impacting their learning or participation.
This guide walks you through how to get one—and what to ask for when you do.
Inside This 19-Page Printable Guide…
This playbook breaks everything down into simple, doable steps—so you can stop second-guessing and start advocating with confidence.
Step-by-step 504 process guide
Know who to contact, what to say, and how to follow up—without getting lost in the system.
Comprehensive ADHD accommodations list
Broken down by challenge area: focus, hyperactivity, executive functioning, emotional regulation, anxiety, and more.
Real-world advocacy scripts
Say the right thing when teachers or administrators don’t understand ADHD or push back on supports.
Printable 504 Planning Worksheet
Match your child’s struggles with appropriate accommodations—take this right into the school meeting.
Legal rights + quick reference cheat sheet
Know what the school is required to do—and what your child is entitled to.
Real-life example of a day with a 504 plan
See what success can actually look like when the right supports are in place.
Everything is skimmable, clear, and built for busy parents (and therapists/teachers) who want to do right by their child.
61 Different 504 Accommodations
Every ADHD kid is different—and so are the challenges they face at school. Some have a hard time sitting still. Others lose track of assignments, get overwhelmed, or shut down from anxiety.
That’s why I’ve included a list of 61 real-life accommodations you can use to figure out what yourchild actually needs. It’s all organized and easy to scan, so you can walk into the 504 meeting feeling prepared and confident.
You’ll find various examples of accommodations in the following areas:
- Trouble sitting still or hyperactivity
- Focus, organization, and task completion
- Anxiety and emotional regulation
- Support for instruction, learning, & academics
- Support for sensory regulation
This list isn’t about throwing everything at the plan—it’s about finding what fits. You can always tweak and adjust over time as your child grows and their needs change.
Why You Need This Playbook…
Some schools may only suggest a handful of generic accommodations—especially if they don’t fully understand how ADHD impacts learning.
Having a cache of impactful accommodations gives you the chance to come prepared with options that reflect your child’s specific needs.
Hey there, I’m Alisha!
Created by a pediatric occupational therapist of 21 years and mom of an ADHD kid that has a beneficial 504 plan in place, I am passionate about supporting ADHD kids. There’s so much mis-understanding and my goal is to make this tool crazy affordable so that parents, therapists, and teachers can be equipped to help their kids reach their full potential. Kids with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem because of constant correction and feeling like they’re falling short. These accommodations not only support them, but they empower your kid in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t a 504 Plan just a crutch?
Not at all. A 504 Plan doesn’t lower expectations—it provides access. Kids with ADHD often need the environment or approach to be adjusted so they can learn and succeed just like their peers. Accommodations aren’t about doing less. They’re about giving your child the tools to do their best.
Shouldn’t my kid’s school already know what accommodations to offer?
In an ideal world—yes. But many schools don’t fully understand how ADHD impacts learning, or they offer only the most common supports. This guide helps you come in informed so you can work with the school to create a plan that actually meets your child’s needs.
Is this a physical product?
Nope! This is a digital product, so you’ll get instant access through your email after purchase. That also means we don’t offer refunds—but you’ll be able to download and revisit everything whenever you need it.
Can I download or print this?
Yes! You can download and save the playbook to your device, and you’re welcome to print it out if you prefer a hard copy.
Is this just for parents, or can professionals use it too?
It’s a great tool for PARENTS AND therapists, educators, or school staff who want to better support kids with ADHD and understand the 504 process.
The 504 Playbook
DOWN FROM $24A downloadable 19 page guide that includes:
- A breakdown of your child’s legal rights (in parent-friendly language)
- A curated list of 61 real-life accommodations to bring to your 504 meeting
- Editable email templates to request a plan and follow up with the school
- Scripts and guidance to help you know what to say—and when
- Tips to prepare for and navigate school meetings with confidence
- A 504 Plan worksheet
- This is a digital product. You’ll get instant access after purchase—nothing will be mailed.
