Common school accommodations for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder failed to improve classroom behavior or academic results in a new study published in the Jama Pediatrics medical journal.
Evaluated School Accommodations
Researchers at Florida International University evaluated four frequently used approaches for primary school students: extended time for tasks, frequent breaks, standing desks, and low-distraction spaces. UA.News reported that 235 participants completed the study out of 255 children from kindergarten through sixth grade who began participation between 2022 and 2025.
None of the tested adaptations produced a statistically significant improvement in student behavior or assignment productivity. Some accommodations were actually associated with lower academic productivity, according to UA.News.
Stimulant medication and behavioral interventions change student behavior
By contrast, stimulant medication reduced rule violations by 61% and increased the share of correctly completed tasks by 22% compared with a placebo, UA.News reported. Meanwhile, behavioral interventions reduced rule violations by 37% compared with usual classroom conditions.
Clinical psychologist Giselle Bahr said that the findings challenge common-sense assumptions about structured classroom changes. She pointed out that while medication changes behavior in the short term, it can lead to worse outcomes over the long term.
“It’s like, of course it would make sense to give a child more time if they’re struggling, but it looks like it’s not as simple as that,” Bahr told rnz.co.nz.
Research settings differ from normal school classrooms
Bahr cautioned that the research did not take place in a normal school setting. The study was conducted at a summer camp featuring one-hour class periods with small groups of 15 to 18 students and two adults per room, rnz.co.nz reported.
“It’s not an exact match with how a classroom generally run, so we have to be careful about what we extrapolate from that,” Bahr told rnz.co.nz.
Common Questions About ADHD Accommodations
Did the study look at regular school classrooms?
No. The research was conducted during a structured summer treatment program with small class sizes and high adult supervision, meaning the results may not directly reflect everyday school environments.
Which interventions proved most effective?
Stimulant medication and behavioral strategies showed measurable impacts on rule-following and task completion, whereas the specific physical accommodations like standing desks and extra time did not.
Are there long-term concerns with medication?
Bahr said that while medication produces short-term improvements, it can lead to worse outcomes over time and carries serious risks including reduced growth, cardiovascular problems, and a risk of psychotic symptoms.
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