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Can ADHD students get reminders before transitions? 

Yes. ADHD transition reminders are common and helpful accommodation designed to support students as they shift between activities or settings during the school day. Transitions such as moving from one subject to another, switching classrooms, or ending a break can be especially challenging for students with ADHD, often leading to confusion, distraction, or emotional frustration. 

Providing advance notice helps prepare the brain for a shift in focus. These reminders may be verbal, visual, or even timed with music or alarms. They are a simple yet powerful form of task change support that makes transitions smoother and more manageable. 

How Transition Reminders Help ADHD Students 

Here is how classroom cues and focus management strategies ease transitions: 

Reduces anxiety and resistance  

When students know what is coming next, they are less likely to feel caught off guard or overwhelmed. 

Improves task completion  

Warnings before a change gives students time to wrap up what they are doing and mentally shift to the next task. 

Supports emotional regulation  

Predictable cues help students stay calm and reduce the likelihood of outbursts or disengagement. 

In onclusion, ADHD transition reminders can be included in an IEP or 504 Plan or simply incorporated into classroom routines for all learners. The right reminder at the right moment can make every transition a little smoother and a lot more successful. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Classroom accommodations for ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.