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Sample 504 Plan for ADHD and Anxiety

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If your teen is struggling with focus, school anxiety, shutdowns, overwhelm, or missed work, it can be hard to know what kind of support to ask for. A 504 Plan may help by putting school accommodations in place that make learning more manageable.

This free resource is designed for parents who want a clearer picture of what a 504 Plan for ADHD, anxiety, or both might include. Inside, you’ll find common accommodations, real-life examples, a sample 504 format, and questions to help you prepare for a school meeting.

This resource is educational only and not legal advice. Schools determine eligibility and accommodations based on the individual student’s needs.

What This Resource Includes

This downloadable guide gives parents a practical starting point for understanding school accommodations for teens with ADHD and anxiety.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A simple explanation of what a 504 Plan is
  • Examples of how ADHD can affect school performance
  • Examples of how anxiety can affect school performance
  • Common school accommodations for both
  • A sample 504 Plan format for ADHD and anxiety
  • Questions to ask during a school meeting
  • A notes page to help you prepare

Who This Resource Is For

This resource may be helpful if your teen:

  1. Seems overwhelmed by school demands
  2. Struggles with focus, organization, or follow-through
  3. Experiences test anxiety, panic, or shutdowns at school
  4. Misses assignments despite trying hard
  5. Avoids presentations, crowded transitions, or certain classes
  6. Has emotional distress that is starting to affect attendance or academic performance

Parents often know something is off before they know what support to ask for. This guide is meant to make that first step feel more manageable.

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a school support plan that outlines accommodations for a student whose condition affects their ability to fully access learning in a general education setting.

In practical terms, that may mean supports such as:

  • Extra time on tests
  • Reduced-distraction testing
  • Movement breaks
  • Check-ins with a counselor or staff member
  • Flexibility around symptom-related absences
  • Support with transitions or organization

A 504 Plan does not automatically look the same for every student. The right accommodations depend on how symptoms affect that student day to day.

Common Accommodations Parents May See

For ADHD, accommodations often support:

  • Attention
  • Organization
  • Task completion
  • Test-taking
  • Executive functioning

Examples may include:

  • Preferential seating
  • Chunked assignments
  • Planner checks
  • Extra time
  • Reduced-distraction testing

For anxiety, accommodations often support:

  • Emotional regulation
  • Transitions
  • Attendance
  • Participation
  • Testing

Examples may include:

  • Access to a trusted staff member
  • Quiet break space
  • Early class dismissal
  • Flexible presentation options
  • Make-up work plans after symptom-related absences

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a school support plan that outlines accommodations for a student whose condition affects their ability to fully access learning in a general education setting.

In practical terms, that may mean supports such as:

  • Extra time on tests
  • Reduced-distraction testing
  • Movement breaks
  • Check-ins with a counselor or staff member
  • Flexibility around symptom-related absences
  • Support with transitions or organization

A 504 Plan does not automatically look the same for every student. The right accommodations depend on how symptoms affect that student day to day.

Why This Matters For Teens

For many adolescents, school struggles are not just academic. Difficulty concentrating, panic before class, emotional shutdowns, avoidance, irritability, or school refusal can all affect how a teen functions day to day.

Sometimes accommodations at school can reduce barriers. Sometimes those struggles also point to a bigger mental health need that deserves attention beyond the classroom.

At Portum, we work with adolescents ages 13-18 only. If your teen is dealing with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, behavioral health challenges, or co-occurring substance use, our team helps families understand the full picture and the next step forward.
Download the free sample 504 Plan for ADHD and anxiety and use it as a starting point for your next school conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student with ADHD get a 504 Plan?

A student may qualify for a 504 Plan if ADHD substantially affects school functioning, such as attention, organization, concentration, or task completion. Eligibility is determined by the school team.

Yes. If anxiety significantly affects school participation, attendance, test-taking, transitions, or classroom functioning, a student may be considered for accommodations.

No. A 504 Plan provides accommodations to support access in school. An IEP provides specialized instruction for students who qualify under special education law.

No. This guide is educational only and should not replace guidance from your school team or a qualified professional.

If your teen’s struggles go beyond academics and are affecting daily life, emotional wellbeing, family life, or functioning outside school, it may help to seek broader clinical support.