School accommodations unlock learning for many neurodivergent students. But when a child has ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), certain commonly used accommodations may unintentionally trigger symptoms, and lead to harmful effects.Here are several accommodations that should be carefully reconsidered when supporting a student with ADHD and OCD:This is helpful for students who struggle with processing speed and focus.
However, students with OCD may use that extended time to check and recheck, reread and rewrite, and overthink their answers.
In other word, they will fill the extra time for testing with compulsive behaviors.[Get ADDitude’s Back-to-School Guide 2025]OCD generally expands to fill the container it is given.
Think of the classic OCD compulsion of handwashing. Without time restrictions on how long an individual can spend in the bathroom, the washing may take longer and longer.
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