{"id":38,"date":"2017-11-07T10:06:31","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T15:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/disability-resource-center\/?page_id=38"},"modified":"2021-12-06T03:42:28","modified_gmt":"2021-12-06T08:42:28","slug":"guidelines-for-documentation-of-an-autism-spectrum-disorder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/disability-resource-center\/documentation-guidelines\/guidelines-for-documentation-of-an-autism-spectrum-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidelines for Documentation of an Autism Spectrum Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"

This document is also available for download in PDF format.<\/p>\nGuidelines for Documentation of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF)<\/a><\/span>\n

Each student requesting accommodations through the Disability Resource Center is required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).\u00a0 As defined by Section 504 and the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity, including learning.\u00a0 Academic adjustments and other accommodations are implemented to provide equal access to college programs and services.<\/p>\n

In order to establish eligibility as an individual with a disability, the student must submit documentation that is comprehensive and clearly specifies the presence of a disability and is appropriate to the post-secondary setting.<\/p>\n

Any specific recommendations for accommodations must be based on significant functional limitations and must be supported by the diagnostic assessment.\u00a0 Accommodations and academic adjustments cannot be implemented until the student\u2019s documentation meets these criteria.\u00a0 Prior history of having received an accommodation does not, in and of itself, warrant or guarantee its continued provision.\u00a0 An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is not sufficient documentation of a disability.<\/p>\n

Documentation of an autism spectrum disorder (Asperger’s Syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders) should be current.\u00a0 In most cases, this means completed within the past three years.\u00a0 <\/strong>The evaluation must be performed by a professional who has training and direct experience working with adults on the autism spectrum.\u00a0 This would include psychiatrists, neurologists, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, etc.\u00a0 Diagnostic reports must be on official letterhead and include the name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator.\u00a0 All reports must be signed and dated.<\/p>\n

The diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder does not rely on one test or a specific battery of tests.\u00a0 As a result, it requires a multi-faceted approach.\u00a0 The guidelines that follow are provided to assure that evaluation reports are fair and appropriate to determine eligibility.<\/p>\n

Documentation must include the following information:<\/p>\n