Step One: Understand and Secure Accommodations Early

One of the most important pieces of the testing process for neurodiverse students is securing accommodations. Both the College Board (SAT, PSAT, AP exams) and the ACT provide accommodations for students with professionally documented learning differences. These may include:

• Extended time
• Breaks (frequent or extended)
• Small-group or distraction-reduced testing
• Multiple-day testing
• Alternate test formats

Why Timing Is Everything

Securing accommodations takes time—and early action makes a big difference. Students must be actively using their accommodations in school well before applying for them on standardized tests. This consistency helps demonstrate the legitimacy and necessity of the requested support.

What the Approval Process Involves

Here’s how to begin:

• Start with documentation. A recent psychoeducational evaluation or diagnosis from a qualified professional is required.
• Ensure accommodations are used at school. If your student has extended time or testing in a quiet room, those accommodations should already be in place and used regularly in the classroom.
• Work with the school. For SAT, the application is usually submitted by the school through the SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) portal. For ACT, the school’s accommodations coordinator will submit the request via the TAA (Test Accessibility and Accommodations) system.
• Plan for the review timeline. The College Board may take up to 7 weeks to review; ACT decisions usually take 10–14 business days. Be prepared for potential requests for additional documentation.

Best practice: Start the process no later than spring of sophomore year. This ensures plenty of time for implementation, documentation, and approval.

Step Two: Choose the Test That Fits Best

While both the SAT and ACT assess college readiness, they differ in format, timing, and structure. These differences can be particularly impactful for students with attention, processing, or reading challenges.

The SAT is now a fully digital, section-adaptive test. It has fewer questions overall and provides more time per question—particularly in the reading and writing section. Passages tend to be denser and vocabulary more advanced, but the generous timing helps reduce pressure. For students who benefit from a slower pace or who struggle with test anxiety, the SAT's layout can offer a calmer, more manageable experience.

In contrast, the ACT remains a linear test. While it recently transitioned to a shorter "Core" version, it still features a greater number of questions and faster pacing. It also includes a science section that asks students to interpret charts and graphs rather than recall scientific facts—some students find this easier; others find it overwhelming. The ACT has historically been seen as a speed test, which can be difficult for students with slower processing speeds or those who fatigue quickly.

For students approved for extended time, the differences between these two tests can become even more pronounced.

The SAT’s structure, with longer breaks and adaptive sections, often works better for students who benefit from more time and a simplified format. However, every student is different—and the best way to make an informed decision is through diagnostic testing.

Step Three: Make Pacing and Practice Part of the Plan

Many neurodiverse students benefit from 1.5x or 2x extended time, but receiving this accommodation isn’t enough. Students must know how to use the time well. That means building stamina, understanding how to pace themselves, and practicing under actual testing conditions.

Tips for Mastering Pacing:

• Use full-length practice tests under real timing—including accommodations.
• Break up sections into smaller chunks during prep, then gradually increase to full tests.
• Teach students to monitor their own time and use breaks intentionally.
• Encourage self-reflection: where are they rushing? Where are they stuck?

It’s also important that students know the format and feel comfortable with the interface of their chosen test. For the digital SAT, students should use College Board's Bluebook app during practice. For the ACT, students should be familiar with the paper format or new digital Core format depending on their test date.

Step Four: Prep with Purpose (and the Right Support)

Test prep for neurodiverse students isn’t about more hours—it’s about better structure.

What to Look For in a Tutor:

• Experience working with students with learning differences
• Ability to adapt lessons based on how your student learns best
• Patience, encouragement, and a nonjudgmental approach

Good test prep includes:

• Short, consistent sessions: Aim for two 45–60 minute blocks per week
• Frequent breaks: Especially if your student struggles with focus
• Ongoing feedback: Track progress, adjust strategies, and celebrate small wins
• Practice tests: One full-length test every 4–6 weeks under approved timing conditions

Don’t underestimate the importance of executive functioning support—skills like time management, planning, and prioritizing questions. Tutors can also help students learn to advocate for their needs.

Step Five: Create a Testing Timeline That Supports Success

A well-paced testing plan lowers stress and builds momentum. Here’s one example of a realistic testing calendar:

• Spring of Sophomore Year: Begin accommodations process, take diagnostic tests
• Summer Before Junior Year: Start light test prep, explore timing strategies, consider a first official SAT/ACT if ready
• Fall of Junior Year: Take first official test, continue prep
• Spring of Junior Year: Retest if needed

Many students reach their peak score on the second or third attempt. Retesting is not a failure—it’s often a path to improvement. And because many colleges superscore (using the best section scores across multiple tests), a second try can provide real admissions advantages.

Progress Over Perfection

Standardized testing can feel like a big mountain—but with the right map, your student can reach the summit. The key is to start early, create structure, and surround your student with the support they need.



By focusing on purposeful preparation and consistent use of accommodations, families can remove many of the barriers that stand between a neurodiverse student and testing success. Remember, your student doesn’t need to follow someone else’s path. They need a path that works for them—and that’s exactly what this roadmap is here to help you create.