Classroom Accommodations for Teen Mood Disorders
School Adaptations for Adolescents With Depression, Bipolar Disorder
Jun 30, 2009
Adjustments in homework and testing, and changes in scheduling can provide students who are depressed or suffering from mood disorders with a better chance of succeeding in high school. Every student with bipolar disorder and depression will have different abilities, and will pass through productive and less productive phases. Accommodations must be individualized to meet a particular student’s requirements, but generally there are some simple modifications that will be helpful.
Adjustments in the School Day
There are many ways in which teachers can adjust the schedule to accommodate the adolescent with depression or bipolar disorder. Here are a few strategies:
- Shorten the day by starting slightly later or dismissing the child earlier.
- Allow for credit of work outside the classroom (at home or in therapy programs).
- Provide breaks throughout the day in which the child can regroup or take a rest outside of the classroom.
- Adjust schedule by placing the classes that are hardest for the child at a time that he performs at his best (first thing in the morning or after an active period, for example).
- Allow for periods of exercise or snacks to refuel teenager who is lethargic.
Breaking Up Large Assignments, Projects, and Tests
Giving extra time for tests with stretch breaks in between can help to improve the performance of the student with a mood disorder. Allowing him to present a project in front of a smaller group or just to the teacher can be another way to promote success. Additionally, try transforming complex instructions for any assignment into simpler steps and watch the afflicted teen complete homework more satisfactorily.
Preventing Teen Tantrums
Teens with mood disorders may be more susceptible to public blow-ups and tantrums when their needs are not being fulfilled. In order to prevent these unpleasant classroom distractions, keep a close watch on the student and try to catch the warning signs. Speak with the student’s parents to find out when the toughest time of the day is for him and allow a break at that time.
There are many other issues that could cause emotional outbursts. Try avoiding them altogether by doing the following:
- Minimize abrupt changes or surprises throughout the day such as pop quizzes. Provide warnings to students of any changes to daily routine, if possible.
- Communicate with parents regularly and ask them to warn the teacher if a day may be particularly challenging.
- Eliminate distractions and chaos as much as possible in the classroom.
- Help the child organize his assignments and his day using a classroom organizer.
- Keep variety in the lessons by teaching to multiple senses.
- Don’t make the student with a mood disorder stay still for long periods.
- Give the teenager permission to leave the classroom and seek out a councilor or other assistance when he is experiencing difficulty.
A big part of the planning process for teachers of a student with a mood disorder will be regular communication with the parents to develop an understanding of the child’s needs. Modifications such as those discussed above for adolescents with mood disorders can have a huge positive impact during the high school years and may determine whether or not a teenager acquires the necessary confidence and abilities to make it in life.
For further reading on mood disorders in the classroom, check out:
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