Bookmark and Share
  • Text +
  • Text -

Psychological or Emotional Disabilities

A psychological or emotional disability normally will be listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.  The latest version, published in 2000, is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders V . The condition must be a psychological condition that meets the definitions of ADA.  A written statement from a qualified, licensed medical professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or qualified MD should be provided. 

The diagnosis that the medical professional provides must be current, and should include the following data:  DSM V diagnosis across all axes, date of diagnosis, the assessment or evaluation procedures used to make this diagnosis, a description of the major symptoms of the disorder currently manifested by the student, including level of severity, any medications prescribed and possible side-effects, a description of the functional limitations imposed by the disorder, and the current prognosis for the student.

The documentation should include information regarding the onset, longevity and severity of the symptoms, as well as the specifics describing the impact of the disability on the student’s academic performance.