How do students with ADD/ADHD or within the Autism Spectrum often qualify for Special Education services?
The majority of students within my casework are within the ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum. Both fall within the “Health-Impairment” qualifying category and in years past, many districts did not use the standard IQ test vs achievement test score “discrepancy”; where the student’s so-called ability, measured by a WISC III intelligence exam (average scores are within the 90-110 range) was compared to the Woodcock Johnson (also with average scores of 90-110). IEPs were developed based upon extensive medical diagnostic work often paid for by the parents. Within the traditional Learning Disability categories such as reading, writing, and math, students would need to show a 20 point discrepancy or difference between the two tests to qualify. For example, a student with an IQ score of 115 (overall) would require an achievement score of 95 or lower to qualify. With ADHD, Aspergers, and Autism, behavior issues are often at the forefront of referral process, many times requiring social skill develo
