Accommodating
Students with
Attention Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder

at Florida Atlantic University

An Informational Brochure from the
Office for Students with Disabilities
Division of Student Affairs

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is defined as a neurological impairment characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in attention span, impulse control, distractibility, and/or hyperactivity. Some individuals exhibit outward manifestations of hyperactivity (e.g., fidgetiness, impulsive interruptions, excessive talking) while others daydream and have difficulty in following a train of thought.

ADD is the generic term for Attention Deficit Disorder, but the official nomenclature, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) which is more commonly used in education.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), AD/HD is a chronic disorder that begins in infancy (although it may not have been formally diagnosed) with the onset of symptoms being present before the age of seven years old. Children were thought to have outgrown AD/HD by the time they reached puberty, but current research indicates that a significant number of diagnosed individuals continue to manifest symptoms throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Additionally, the DSM states that some of the following symptoms must occur and must be pervasive in at least two settings, such as at home, school, or work:

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Distractability
• Lack of tenacity with tasks
• Disorganization
• Procrastination
• Poor attention to detail
• Forgetfulness
• Excessive talking
• Verbal impulsivity
• Restlessness

The term AD/HD is used to indicate three types of Attention Deficit Disorder:

Undifferentiated AD/HD
The primary and most significant characteristic is inattentiveness (students may seem to be daydreaming). Students appear to be quiet and passive. These students tend to be overlooked more easily in the classroom and may be at higher risk for academic failure than those with other types of AD/HD.

AD/HD with Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
These students tend to fidget and squirm, have trouble staying in their seats, and talk excessively. They appear to be always “on the go.” They often interrupt others, don’t wait their turn, and intrude on others.

Combined Type
Students show characteristics of both the Undifferentiated and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity forms of AD/HD.

Students with AD/HD have tremendous difficulty getting or keeping themselves organized. It is frequently found that these students start numerous projects concurrently, but never really complete any of them. This tendency and a lack of understanding of the characteristics of AD/HD can create a multitude of problems for these students in their abilities to function within the academic parameters of a college setting.

WAYS AD/HD MIGHT AFFECT A STUDENT'S EDUCATION

• Contributions that are highly creative, intuitive, and innovative
• Difficulty following correct procedures
• Difficulty with time management and organization (e.g., performing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing assignments)
• Procrastination (e.g., beginning projects late or not meeting deadlines for assignments)
• Speaking out inappropriately in class
• Tuning out during lectures
• Easily bored
• Impatience or low frustration tolerance
• Needless worry
• Feeling of insecurity or impending doom (e.g., a fear of failing written assignments or exams)
• Mental or physical restlessness (e.g., tapping a pencil, tapping feet, shaking legs)
• Inaccurate assessment of own performance or progress
• Low self-esteem

SUGGESTIONS FOR FACULTY

• Provide a detailed course syllabus with clear explanation of course expectations and adhere to it as closely as possible.
• Avoid disruptions (e.g., physical relocations, changes in schedule) as much as possible; however, when changes do occur, provide clear and consistent instructions.
• Start each class with an outline of material to be covered and summarize key points at the end.
• Utilize group discussions and visual supports (e.g., graphs, charts, lists, pictures) rather than straight lecture format as much as possible.
• Give instructions in both verbal and written form. Encourage the student to ask for clarification and rephrase instructions as needed.
• Break down papers and projects into smaller units with specific due dates.
• Provide frequent feedback regarding how well course requirements are being met.
• Provide a review session and study questions before an exam which illustrate both the content and format of the exam.
  

DOCUMENTATION

To be eligible for services at Florida Atlantic University, a student must provide appropriate documentation of an Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder to the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). The documentation must be in the form of a psychoeducational evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist. Documentation must address all of the following four criteria and must include anticipated effects of the student’s functional limitations within the academic setting.

1. Reported history of AD/HD symptoms demonstrated during childhood, corroborated by an independent source. This must include interviews and two (2) AD/HD behavioral rating scales and may include school records and/or other pertinent background information.
2. Corroboration of current AD/HD symptoms across multiple settings (particularly academic and social) by one or more adults with knowledge of the client’s functioning.
3. Standardized assessment measures of attention are utilized in the diagnosis of AD/HD (e.g., CPT, TOVA, IVA, TEA) or psychoeducational evaluation with test score report including Index Scores.
4. Psychometric instruments or other means are used to exclude differential diagnoses (behavioral, psychological, or physical).

ALSO…

• Summaries of questionnaires, measures, or other clinical data must be included.
• The Type of AD/HD must be diagnosed utilizing DSM codes.
• Symptoms meeting diagnostic criteria must be addressed.
• Level of severity of AD/HD should be addressed, e.g., mild, moderate, severe.
• Medication (dosage and side effects) and other treatment should be included.
• The evaluation must be based upon testing instruments normed for adults, preferably completed within the last five years; however, the OSD reserves the right to make modifications to this time frame.

For general documentation guidelines, please refer to the OSD Documentation Guidelines brochure.

GENERAL ACCOMMODATIONS

After a student has submitted appropriate documentation of a disability and an Application for Support Services to the OSD, an OSD counselor will review this information and then contact the student for an intake interview. At the intake, accommodations are determined. The student, depending on documentation of the disability, may be eligible for one or more of the following accommodations:

• Advocacy
• Professor notification
• Notetaking assistance
• Audio recording of classes
• Exam adaptations (e.g., extended time to take exams, distraction-reduced setting)
• Time management, study skills, and social skills training

These accommodations are necessary for ensuring complete access to, and full participation in, the educational process. Academic standards are not to be lowered, nor should there be an alteration in the essential nature of the course or degree requirements.

For more information, visit: www.chadd.org

Note: Professors will be notified of the student’s approved accommodations in an OSD Letter of Notification presented by the student. If the student is not registered with the OSD, please refer her or him to the office.

Boca Raton Campus:
777 Glades Road, SU Room 133
Boca Raton, FL 33431
tel: 561.297.3880     fax: 561.297.2184
tty: 561.297.0358

Broward Campuses:
2912 College Avenue, LA Room 240
Davie, FL 33314
tel: 954.236.1222      fax: 954.236.1123

Jupiter Campus:
(Diversity Student Services)
5353 Parkside Drive, SR Room 117
Jupiter, FL 33458
tel: 561.799.8585     fax: 561.799.8721
tty: 561.799.8565

Treasure Coast Campus:
500 NW California Blvd., JU Room 312
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
tel: 772.873.3441     fax: 772.873.3444

Website address: http://osd.fau.edu

Alternate format available upon request

Rev 07/09