Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT can evoke anxiety for anyone, but for neurodivergent students, the challenges can be overwhelming. However, with the right accommodations and preparation, students with learning differences can show their full potential on standardized tests. Whether you’re a parent, educator or student we will help you understand the accommodations process and how to make it work for you or your learner.
Who We Are
Learnfully has worked for years with neurodivergent students, helping them succeed in academics and testing. With insights from Kevin Organisciak, CEO of Learnfully, and educational specialist and test prep pro, Dr. Robin Satty, our latest webinar provides a roadmap for getting the right accommodations and offers practical strategies for easing test-related stress. The webinar is summarized in this post but if you’d like to watch the recording you can view it in it’s entirety on our Youtube channel:
Testing anxiety and executive functioning: What’s the connection?
Neurodivergent students—those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia or other learning differences—often face executive function challenges. Our executive functions are the skills needed for tasks like time management, organization and performing under pressure. When these are disrupted, things like standardized testing can feel almost insurmountable.
Here’s the most important thing to remember: It’s not about intelligence.
Students may know the material but struggle to show it under testing conditions. For some, the pressure of timed tests creates mental roadblocks. For others, managing small, multi-step questions is the challenge.
The good news? Executive functioning skills can improve with strategies, practice, and most importantly, proper accommodations.
Understanding standardized test accommodations
Both the SAT and ACT offer accommodations designed to level the playing field for students who need them. These accommodations give students the support necessary to show what they truly know—minus unnecessary barriers to success.
Common SAT accommodations:
- Extended time: Extra time (commonly 50% more) for students processing information more slowly.
- Extra breaks: Time to decompress between test sections.
- Assistive technology: Tools like screen readers or permission for large print.
- Private rooms: Testing in smaller or quieter settings.
- Food or medication access: Permission for necessary snacks, drinks or medication needed during breaks.
Common ACT accommodations:
- Extended time and breaks: Additional time and longer pauses between sections.
- Testing across multiple days: Helpful for students who tire quickly.
- Assistive devices: Calculators, computers or other essential tools.
- Small group testing: Removing sensory overload often present in larger classrooms.
How to secure testing accommodations
Securing accommodations isn’t automatic—you’ll need to organize, submit documentation and possibly most important– follow up, don’t assume accommodations are in place because you’ve requested them.
Step-by-step process for getting accommodations:
- Start early: Plan at least 6 months before the test date to gather documents and begin the process.
- Document your learner’s need:
- Medical diagnosis: Include a report explaining how the student’s disability impacts test-taking.
- IEP or 504 plan: Proven accommodations in school make test accommodations almost automatic.
- Track performance history: Compile any standardized test results, reports from teachers and evidence showing prior accommodations were helpful.
- Write a request letter: Clearly state why your student requires specific accommodations and attach supporting evidence.
For SAT accommodations, apply through the College Board’s SSD department. For ACT, the process is slightly simpler, allowing submissions as late as two weeks before the exam. However, try to submit requests earlier to avoid last-minute issues.
Digital vs. paper tests: What’s better?
The SAT is now fully digital while the ACT still offers both paper and digital formats—but which format is better?
Digital tests are generally shorter and can seem less intimidating with their single question per screen layout. For students use to technology in the classroom, this format often feels most natural. However, digital tools like annotation features may not give the tactile benefits of physically writing and sketching on paper.
Paper tests allow students to see entire passages or answer sets at once. For those who need the freedom to move between questions or prefer tactile problem-solving strategies, physical tests may offer an advantage.
Ultimately, the best format depends on the student’s comfort and strengths.
Test prep for neurodivergent students
How early should test prep begin? The answer is: as early as possible, but preparation doesn’t have to look like drills and worksheets.
Think about this: Does your child love sports? Music? Coding? Building? Activities tied to their interests can mimic high-pressure performance scenarios, helping them learn to manage stress.
By middle school, begin gently introducing test-taking skills like:
- Independently managing time on smaller tasks.
- Recognizing keywords in questions.
- Breaking larger problems into bite-sized steps.
The earlier these skills are developed, the less overwhelming standardized tests will feel later on.
What if accommodations aren’t provided?
If your child isn’t receiving needed support at school, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Document everything: Keep track of struggles, behavioral patterns and improvements when modifications are used.
- Seek evaluations early: A psychologist or educational specialist’s assessment can uncover issues schools may have overlooked.
- Find an advocate: Some families find working with educational advocates helpful in navigating school systems.
Even if the school doesn’t provide accommodations, your collected documentation will still be valid for SAT/ACT requests.
Does “test optional” mean accommodations aren’t needed?
Not necessarily. Test-optional schools don’t require scores, but if a score helps your application, it’s worth taking the test. For some neurodivergent students, accommodations are the difference between no score and a good score.
And remember, submitting scores can also impact scholarship opportunities. Many state-funded scholarships require minimum SAT/ACT results.
Conclusion
Getting accommodations for the SAT or ACT may feel like a mountain of paperwork, but it’s worth every step. These accommodations are NOT charity—they are what’s necessary for your child to access the same opportunities as their peers.
Start early. Advocate. Document. Practice. And most importantly, help your child believe in their ability to succeed. Testing is just one piece of the puzzle, and accommodations ensure it’s a fair one.
If you need help navigating this process or want to learn more about personalized testing strategies, Learnfully can help. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent learners through the test-taking process. Contact us today to work with one of our educational specialist.
Empower your child to show the world what they already know—they are capable.
