Psychological Disorders

Definition  A Psychological/Psychiatric Disability can be considered to be an invisible disability.  The experience is unique to each person.  Limitations are not usually intellectual in nature, although age of onset often results in disrupted learning and forgotten academic and vocational goals.  Research indicates that the presence of systems does not necessarily interfere with learning.

People who have experienced psychoses or "breakdowns" remember themselves as they were before the "break".  Low self-esteem and the fear that another break will occur are common, especially during times of increased external pressure.  If supports are not in place, such has the presence of a person who can step in and solve concrete problems without delay, efforts to solve problems may be ineffective, and the fear may increase.  This may lead to a downward spiral in the person's ability to perform functions of daily living.  The bottom of such spiral may be a loss of home, friends, income, family support, school classes, and so forth.

Documentation Guidelines   A detailed report from a licensed psychologist, social worker, counselor, or psychiatrist, providing diagnosis and DSM-IV code.  Also including a statement of the student's functional impact or limitation on learning (concentration, short-term memory, auditory, abstract reasoning).

Potential Accommodations

·         Note taker

·         Tape Recorder

·         Extended Test Time

·         Quiet Area

·         Use of word processor or computer for testing and assignments of fine motor difficulties that are present.