# Learning Access Adaptation Sheet

Companion to [using AI to support a neurodivergent learner, without diagnosing anyone](/articles/ai-support-neurodivergent-learners).

> Do not use this sheet, or any AI tool, to suggest or confirm a diagnosis. This is a task-level
> adaptation tool, not a clinical assessment. Before pasting worksheets or writing into a chat tool,
> strip school name, teacher name, student name, and other identifiers; prefer a caregiver-controlled
> account with training turned off.

Task: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

## Step 1: name the barrier specifically

Not "struggles with X" — where, exactly, does the task get hard? Ask the learner directly.

______________________________________________________________

## Step 2: state the outcome you must preserve

What skill is this task actually meant to build or measure?

______________________________________________________________

Does the planned adaptation change *how* the learner reaches this outcome (augmentation — keep it)
or *what* outcome gets reached (substitution — redesign it)?

## Step 3: design the smallest adaptation

| Barrier pattern | Adaptation idea |
| --- | --- |
| Dense text, comprehension fine when heard | Text-to-speech on the same unchanged content |
| Multi-step instructions, loses the thread | One step visible at a time |
| Blank-page paralysis on writing tasks | AI drafts 3-4 rough starting sentences to edit or reject |
| Overwhelm from a long worksheet | Same content, broken into labeled chunks |

Adaptation chosen: ____________________________________________

## Step 4: learner feedback

Ask directly: "did that make it easier, harder, or about the same?"

Learner's answer: ____________________________________________

## Step 5: stop rule

What would tell you this adaptation is no longer the right fit?

______________________________________________________________

Revisit date: ____________________ Framed as: "let's see if this is still the right fit," not
"let's see if you still need this."

## Log across tasks

| Task | Barrier | Outcome preserved | Adaptation | Learner feedback | Revisit date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |

## Related reading

- [AI homework help vs. cheating](/articles/ai-homework-help-vs-cheating) — the same
  outcome-preservation discipline applied to academic-integrity decisions.
- [CAST Universal Design for Learning Guidelines](https://udlguidelines.cast.org/) — the framework
  this sheet's barrier/outcome distinction is drawn from.