Autism Spectrum Disorders
Documentation guidelines for students with Autism Spectrum disorders
Some students with Autism Spectrum disorders are eligible for accommodations on College Board tests. Autism Spectrum disorders include:
- Autistic Disorder
- Asperger’s Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Not all students with Autism Spectrum disorders require accommodations on College Board tests. To be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests, a student with Autism Spectrum disorders must have documentation that meets the College Board's Guidelines for Documentation, including evidence of functional limitation. See:
The following additional guidelines are meant to assist students with Autism Spectrum disorders in submitting requests for accommodations.
- The documentation should demonstrate that a comprehensive assessment was conducted, and that a person with appropriate professional credentials made the diagnosis according to DSM–IV–TR guidelines.
- A summary of current symptomatology, treatment, and ongoing needs should be included. Documentation should provide a narrative summary of evaluation results with clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in the academic setting. A rationale for each accommodation, specifically as they pertain to the student's need for accommodation on College Board tests, should be included.
- A medical note is not sufficient evidence to support the need for numerous accommodations.
- In most cases, and particularly where extended time is requested, comprehensive cognitive and academic testing should be submitted. See Learning Disabilities for examples of commonly used tests and measures.
- Additional information, such as survey forms and direct teacher observation, can be included. Documentation that describes your continuing need for and consistent use of requested accommodations would be helpful.
- Accommodation needs change and are not always identified at the time of initial diagnosis. Conversely, a prior history of accommodation, without documentation of current need and consistent use, does not necessarily demonstrate eligibility for accommodation(s) on College Board tests.
If you are requesting extended time or the use of a computer, see Accommodations for additional information on documentation.
