Documentation Guidelines
ADHD- Typical symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a college environment include difficulty managing multiple and competing deadlines for long-term projects, following through on goals and intentions, and making good judgments about how to spend one’s time. Trouble working within an unstructured environment, completing tests quickly, and focusing during classroom lectures are also markers of ADHD in the college setting. Frustration with achieving expectations can create feelings of depression or anxiety. Use of alcohol, medications, and/or illegal substances can be problematic for a student who already has trouble with impulse control or mood management.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)- is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. It includes what used to be known as Asperger syndrome, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. It is referred to as a “spectrum” because ASD can present in many different ways, with varying degrees of impact.
Chronic Medical/Health Disability-Physical disorders are typically grouped into general categories: neurological, musculoskeletal, and severe, chronic medical conditions. Such medical conditions may include but are not limited to, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, HIV or AIDS, cystic fibrosis, food allergies, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.
Hearing Disability- students who are deaf or experience hearing loss may be considered disabled if their condition significantly impairs one’s functioning in the major life activity of hearing.
Psychological/Psychiatric Disabilities-Psychiatric disorders represent severe mental and emotional distress that significantly hinders a student’s ability to cope with the stresses of daily living and academic life. Psychiatric disorders may impair concentration, energy, memory, and the ability to process information, and schoolwork may be compromised. Such conditions may include but are not limited to, major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
Learning Disabilities (LD)-refer to a significant difficulty in a specific area of learning (reading, writing, math, nonverbal), despite strengths in other areas. Learning Disabilities are persistent throughout life, but may manifest differently depending on the learning demands, academic setting, or the use of compensatory strategies. Getting a clear picture of one’s learning disability contributes to improving strategies for meeting one’s goals, creating achievable plans, and reducing frustration from unexplained difficulties that persist even when a student is giving his or her best effort.
Speech Disability- such as speech impediments and disorders. Speech and language disorders refer to problems in communication and related areas, such as oral-motor function. These delays and disorders range from simple sound substitutions to the inability to understand or use language or use the oral-motor mechanism for functional speech.
Visual Disability – visual impairments may be considered disabilities if they significantly impair one’s functioning in the major life activity of seeing, and are not mitigated by glasses or lenses.