If your child is struggling with emotional symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, getting through the school day can be extremely difficult. Further, academics and social interactions at school could be contributing to these symptoms. Receiving either informal or formal (e.g., though an IEP or 504 plan) accommodations and modifications can help them be more successful. The following is a list of suggestions that could be presented to their school:
- Allow the student to leave class several minutes early to avoid crowded hallways and to prepare for the next class
- Provide all students access to an individual study area within the classroom
- Establish a quiet area outside of the classroom for the child to work (e.g., the library)
- Develop a system for the student to discreetly signal that they are becoming overwhelmed and need to leave the classroom
- Let the student sit by the doorway if they prefer so it is easier for them to leave the classroom without drawing attention to themselves
- Allow the student to use headphones or ear plugs to block out noise
- Let the student complete work in an altered sequence if it benefits them
- Avoid calling on the student if they are visibly upset and work with them to determine ways to create comfortable participation. For instance, a raised open hand could indicate they are willing to participate, while a raised closed hand could indicate they are uncomfortable participating while simultaneously appearing to others that they are participating
- Provide extra time to complete tests and allow breaks
- Allow the student to complete tests in a different room
- When possible, allow the student to submit alternative projects to demonstrate their knowledge, in lieu of a test
- Consider reducing the overall volume of work
- Work with the student to establish guidelines for extended time to complete work
Reference:
International OCD Foundation. (2021). Classroom accommodations and support strategies. Retrieved from https://anxietyintheclassroom.org/school-system/profession-specific-resources/teachers-classroom-accommodations-ocd-anxiety/