School Isn’t Built for Every Brain: How to Advocate for Accommodations
Let’s be real—school isn’t easy for a lot of people. But if you’ve ever felt like it’s especially hard for you to keep up, stay organized, focus in class, or just survive the day without getting completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.
The truth is, school wasn’t built with every kind of brain in mind. Especially if you’re neurodivergent—living with ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory issues, or learning differences—school can sometimes feel like a game with rules that keep changing and no one gave you the playbook.
But here’s the good news: you can ask for help. You have the right to learn in a way that works for your brain, and there are things called accommodations that can support you. Learning how to advocate for them is a powerful skill—and one you deserve to have.
💬 What Are Accommodations?
Accommodations are tools or changes that help students access learning more easily. They don’t change what you’re expected to learn, but they do change how you get there. They’re designed to support how your brain functions, so that you’re not stuck constantly trying to force yourself into a system that doesn’t work for you.
Some common examples of accommodations include:
Extra time on tests or assignments
Breaks during class or exams
A quiet place to take tests
Use of fidget tools or noise-canceling headphones
Help with organizing tasks and deadlines
Modified homework load
Access to written instructions or visual aids
Preferential seating in class
These are just a few. The right accommodations depend on your brain, your challenges, and what helps you feel more focused, calm, or confident.
🛠 How to Start Advocating for Yourself
Advocating for yourself at school might feel awkward or intimidating at first. That’s okay. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Understand What’s Hard (and What Helps)
Start by noticing what parts of school feel the most overwhelming or frustrating. Is it sitting still? Group work? Too much noise? Tests? Homework? Being rushed?
Then, think about what helps you. Maybe you do better when you have a checklist. Maybe your brain calms down when you can wear headphones or take a short walk between tasks. That’s valuable information.
Knowing what your brain needs is the first step to asking for it.
2. Talk to a Trusted Adult
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Talk to someone who’s on your team—this could be a parent, therapist, school counselor, or teacher. Try saying:
“I’m struggling with some things at school and I think I might need accommodations. Can you help me figure out how to ask?”
If talking is hard, you can also write an email or letter. Sometimes bringing a friend or adult with you to a meeting can help, too.
3. Ask About a 504 Plan or IEP
If your struggles are connected to a medical or mental health diagnosis—like ADHD, autism, anxiety, or a learning disability—you may be eligible for formal supports like a 504 Plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
These plans are legal agreements that give you specific accommodations and protections. Your parent or guardian can help you request an evaluation, or you can ask your school counselor where to start.
Even without a diagnosis, many schools can still offer informal supports—so don’t be afraid to speak up.
4. Use Your Voice (One Step at a Time)
Self-advocacy doesn’t mean you have to stand up and give a speech. It can be as simple as:
Emailing a teacher to say you need more time
Asking to take a quiz in a quiet space
Letting a counselor know that you're overwhelmed
You deserve to feel safe and supported at school. Using your voice doesn’t make you difficult—it shows strength and self-awareness.
🧘♀️ You Deserve Support
Needing accommodations doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean you’re making excuses. It means your brain processes the world in a different way—and that’s something to understand and respect, not fix or hide.
You weren’t meant to struggle through every day alone. The school system wasn’t built with every kind of mind in mind—but that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in it. By learning to ask for support, you’re making the system work for you, not against you.
✨ You’re Not Too Much—The System Is Too Small
So if you’re a teen who’s been told to “just try harder,” “focus more,” or “be less sensitive”—take a deep breath. There’s nothing wrong with your brain. You might just need tools, strategies, and support that actually match how you work.
And that’s not just okay—it’s something to be proud of.
You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to ask for help. And you’re allowed to learn in a way that works for you.
