PREPARING REPORTS DOCUMENTING ATTENTION DEFICITsol;HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER FOR STUDENTS IN POSThyphen;SECONDARY EDUCATIONWHAT NEUROLOGISTS NEED TO KNOW

摘要

BACKGROUND- Students enrolled in postsecondary education programs who experience significant functional impairment caused by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) are eligible to request academic accommodations for their disability-related needs. Because reliable estimates place the number individuals with AD/HD at 3 to 5percnt; of the population, a significant number of individuals in postsecondary education will be affected.REVIEW SUMMARY- Like other students with disabilities that substantially affect academic functioning, those with AD/HD depend on professional evaluation to determine their eligibility for legally mandated assistance. These reports are critical to the outcome of institutional decisions regarding the provision of such services. As more individuals with these disorders are recognized, neurologists are assuming care of these patients and are increasingly asked to complete such reports. This review explains the legal issues and what must be included in reports.CONCLUSIONS- Because neurologists and other professionals will be asked to document AD/HD for students in settings ranging from 2-year associate degree programs to graduate or professional schools, they should be aware of the specific issues associated with this specialized area of clinical assessment and report writing. This review will help neurologists to develop effective documentation for their patients who attend secondary education institutions.