ADHD is officially called Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neurologically based medical problem. It is a developmental disability characterized by inattention. impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. The results can lead to lifelong problems.
Students with ADHD may demonstrate difficulty with one or more of the following characteristics:
- concentrating.
- listening.
- starting, organizing, and completing tasks.
- following directions.
- making transitions.
- interacting with others.
- producing work at a consistently normal level
- organizing problems that involve multiple steps.
- performing better in morning classes or evening classes.
- experiencing difficulty following through with several directions at once.
- organizing multi-step tasks.
They would also benefit from the following:
- structure using lists, schedules.
- sitting at the front of the class.
- utilizing assignment organizers.
- having assignments presented in writing.
Eligibility Verification
Eligibility for Disability Services at Seton Hall University is dependent upon the nature of the disability and its impact on learning. A person might meet eligibility requirements of vocational rehabilitation, disabled veterans or any other rehabilitation agency; however, he/she may not meet eligibility at the Seton Hall University. One of the reasons that the University developed these guidelines is for consistency throughout the institution. These guidelines are fairly consistent with those used by agencies administering standardized assessments. The ultimate decision as to eligibility on campus is a judgment that must be made by the Director of Disability Support Services based upon the guidelines developed for each type of disability. Once a student has been verified as disabled at the Seton Hall University Office of Disability Support Services, a disability eligibility form should be completed and placed in the confidential file with the determining documentation.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD) Documentation
ADHD is considered a medical or clinical diagnosis. Individuals qualified to render a diagnosis for this disorder are practitioners who have been trained in the assessment of ADHD and are experienced in assessing the needs of adult learners. Recommended practitioners may include: developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical or educational psychologist, family physicians or a combination of such professionals. The diagnostician must be impartial and not a family member of the student.
The following guidelines are provided to assist the service provider in collaborating with each student to determine appropriate accommodations. Documentation serves as a foundation that legitimizes a student's request for appropriate accommodations. Required documentation includes:
- A clear statement of ADD or ADHD with the DSM-IV diagnosis and a description of supporting past and present symptoms.
- Documentation for eligibility must be current, preferably within the last three years; (the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current status of the student and the student's specific request for accommodations).
- A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis.
- A narrative summary, including all scores, which supports the diagnosis.
- A statement of the functional impact or limitations of the disorder or disability on learning or other major life activity and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which accommodations are being requested.
- Medical information relating to the student's needs, including the impact of medication on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment.
Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing learning disabilities or other disabling conditions are indicated. The student and the disability specialist at the institution collaboratively determine appropriate accommodations.