Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) includes autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. ASD’s are characterized generally by impaired social functioning and are often accompanied by problems with language, behavior, motor clumsiness, sensory issues and/or psychiatric symptoms. Professionals who are qualified to provide documentation include: licensed mental health professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, or neurologists. Students are encouraged to provide their clinicians with a copy of these guidelines.

To initiate the accommodation review and determination process, appropriate documentation must include the following:

• A clearly written comprehensive statement of the disability diagnosed by a qualified professional trained in this area including current functional limitations and history of impairment relevant to academic functioning or any aspect of university life.
• Type of assessment instrument(s) with results, including standard scores and percentiles.
• Social and developmental history to include information on: communication skills, social interaction skills, motor skills, responses to sensory experiences, relevant family and environmental information, patterns of emotional adjustment, unusual or atypical behaviors.
• Information specifying current level of receptive, expressive and pragmatic communication skills.
• If the disability impacts memory or executive functioning skills, current level of functioning in these areas should be specified.
• Documentation should be current, within three years, and must include a signature on professional letterhead.
• The University has the right to request additional documentation if the original documentation is incomplete or insufficient in determining a qualifying disability or reasonable accommodation(s).
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the request is deemed unreasonable or presents an undue hardship.
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the documentation provided does not support the specific accommodation request in accordance with the ADA.
• Documentation must demonstrate a direct correlation between the diagnosed disability, the barrier to access caused by the disability, and the requested accommodation.
• Reasonable accommodations cannot fundamentally alter any program or course requirements.
• Any cost incurred in obtaining additional information must be borne by the student.