The Self-Accommodations That Helped My Child Get Through School

It wasn’t just about what he could learn — it was about creating the right environment for him to learn in the first place.

I remember a moment from my son’s early school years. He’d come home from school, his backpack flung across the room, and I could see the frustration in his eyes. “Mom, I tried so hard today. I just couldn’t focus.”

I wasn’t surprised. Over the years, I’d seen the struggle — the inability to sit still, the pressure to keep up with classmates, the feeling of being “different” in a world that expected everyone to learn the same way. And while I watched my son pour his heart into school, it was clear that the system didn’t quite understand his needs.

At first, I thought, “Maybe it’s just a phase.” Maybe he’d grow out of it. But as time passed, I realized something critical: the problem wasn’t him — the problem was how his unique brain processed the world around him. The school environment, lessons, and structure were not built to meet his needs. So, waiting for the system to catch up wasn’t enough. We had to make it work for him.

That’s when I started experimenting with self-accommodations — small, intentional changes that allowed him to create a learning environment that suited his brain. And you know what? It made all the difference.

What Are Self-Accommodations?

Self-accommodations are personalized strategies that help children adjust to their learning environment. These aren’t big, official changes like a special education plan or classroom alterations (though those are important, too). Instead, they’re little tools and tricks children can use to navigate school with more confidence and less stress.

The beauty of self-accommodation is that it encourages independence. They help children become aware of what they need to thrive and empower them to advocate for themselves, even if they don’t fully understand all the reasons behind their struggles. In my son’s case, they allowed him to function in a system that wasn’t built for him without feeling “broken” or “deficient.”

How We Made It Work

We started small — with simple, unobtrusive, and flexible strategies. Here’s a glimpse of the self-accommodations we found helpful:

Noise-Canceling Headphones

For my son, noise was a massive trigger for distractions. Whether it was the hum of classroom chatter or the sound of pencils on paper, it all became overwhelming. Investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones was a game changer. It allowed him to block out distractions and focus more easily on the task. He started using them during independent work or when the classroom was particularly loud.

Fidget Tools

F fidgeting doesn’t mean a child isn’t paying attention — it just means they’re using movement to regulate their focus. We found that small, silent fidget tools worked wonders. A stress ball in his pocket, a fidget spinner in his desk drawer, or even a soft piece of cloth to hold onto helped him calm his nervous energy while staying focused. These little actions made a huge difference in his ability to remain engaged.

Visual Timers

Time management is strict when you have a mind that is constantly moving. My son often got lost in tasks and had trouble shifting from one activity to another. So, we used visual timers that displayed a clear countdown so he could visually track how much time he had left for an activity. This simple tool helped him feel more in control and reduced the anxiety of transitions.

Movement Breaks

Sitting still for long periods wasn’t conducive to my son’s learning style. Instead of forcing him to stay glued to his desk, we implemented short movement breaks. Whether it was a quick walk to the bathroom, a trip around the schoolyard, or even a few minutes of stretching at his desk, these breaks helped him reset and return to tasks with renewed focus.

Highlighted Paper

Small details like reading on unlined paper or having too much text on a page can become overwhelming for a child who struggles with focus. We used highlighted paper with lines to help guide handwriting and colour-coded worksheets to break up information. This helped him stay organized, improve his writing skills, and feel more confident completing assignments.

Why Self-Accommodations Work

Children need to understand themselves and their unique needs to thrive. Self-accommodations allow them to build self-awareness and develop coping skills they can carry throughout their lives.

Instead of waiting for the classroom to adapt, self-accommodations encourage children to take control of their learning. They boost confidence, promote independence, and give children a sense of mastery over their environment.

Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers

You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis or a perfect school environment to get started. Here are some simple ways to introduce self-accommodations into your child’s daily routine:

Create a “Toolkit”

Sit down with your child and discuss what helps them when frustrated or distracted. Together, create a “toolkit” of self-accommodations they can carry. It could include items like a favourite fidget toy, a timer, or even a card that says, “Take a break” when they feel overwhelmed.

Incorporate Movement

Movement is essential for regulating energy and maintaining focus. Whether short breaks, a walk between classes, or a quick dance session at home, incorporate physical movement into their day.

Use Visual Cues

Children respond well to visual cues, so use charts, timers, or written reminders to help them stay on track. These cues provide guidance and structure, whether a visual schedule or a reminder to take a deep breath before responding to frustration.

Normalize the Need for Accommodations

It’s essential for children to feel that their self-accommodations are a regular part of learning, not something they should hide. Encourage your child to advocate for themselves by practising what accommodations they may need. The more they use their tools, the more confident they’ll become in managing their learning environment.

Let’s Empower Our Kids Together

Every child has a unique brain, and every brain needs different tools to succeed. Self-accommodation is a way for kids to personalize their learning experience. They can be a turning point for children who might otherwise feel they don’t belong in the traditional school system.

Remember: It’s not about changing your child — it’s about creating a world that works for them.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance on how to make these strategies work for your child, I’m here to help. Whether it’s understanding specific accommodations, helping your child with self-regulation, or navigating challenges at school, I can support you every step of the way.

Ready to explore more?

Book a 1:1 consultation with me here.

Together, we can create a learning environment that lets your child shine!

Recommended Tools to Support Your Child’s Learning Journey

To help implement the self-accommodations we’ve discussed, here are some thoughtfully selected products that can make a meaningful difference:

Noise-Cancelling Headphones These headphones are designed to reduce ambient noise, helping children focus better in noisy environments. PROHEAR 010 Kids Bluetooth Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Features active noise cancellation technology, comfortable padding, and a foldable design for easy storage. Vikki Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones offer zero-pressure noise reduction with a soft padded design suitable for younger children. Fidget Tools can help children manage anxiety and maintain focus by providing sensory stimulation.Skillmatics Push & Pop Mobile Phone Fidget Toy: A portable sensory toy made of food-grade silicone, ideal for on-the-go calming.TwCare 120 Pack Fidget Toys Set: A comprehensive set offering a variety of textures and activities to engage children. Visual Timers assist children in understanding the passage of time, aiding in transitions and time management. Sonneten 99-Minute Digital Visual Timer Features a child-friendly interface with a smiley face and visual progress bars. TIME TIMER Home MOD – 60 Minute Visual Timer A silent, easy-to-read timer suitable for classroom or home use. Movement Break Tools Incorporating movement breaks can help children release pent-up energy and improve focus. Covelico Movement Dice : A fun tool that encourages physical activity through random exercises and is perfect for indoor breaks. Classroom Fitness Breaks Book Offers over 50 exercises and games to motivate students and help them focus. Highlighted Paper Using highlighted or coloured paper can assist children with reading and writing difficulties by providing visual cues. 32 Pieces Guided Reading Strips/Colored Overlay Assorted colors help with dyslexia and reading fluency. Kidox Markers Durable Multi Design Line Outline Border Highlighter Pens Ideal for colouring, sketching, and enhancing reading materials.

Feel free to explore these products to find the ones that best suit your child’s needs. Implementing these tools can create a more supportive and effective learning environment at home and school.