What is an  attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/learning disorders (LD) screening?
An ADHD/LD screening is a structured clinical interview conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker at the University of Illinois Counseling Center, McKinley Mental Health Center, or the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES).  The purpose of these screenings is to make a preliminary determination about the likely cause or causes of a student’s learning and academic difficulties.  A variety of factors may be responsible for a student’s poor academic performance at the university, including a learning disability, an attention deficit disorder, or psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.  A screening interview can be a helpful first step, but it is not always sufficient to determine the cause of a student’s academic difficulties.  There is no charge for a screening appointment.

How are learning and attentional difficulties identified?
A screening interview can serve as the first step to identifying and assessing learning and attentional difficulties.  If a learning disability or attention deficit disorder is suspected, formal diagnostic testing may be recommended which typically includes intelligence, achievement and neuropsychological tests.  There are also some standardized assessment tools available which help identify ADHD, although some clinicians rely primarily on structured clinical interviews.

Does the university require that disability diagnostic documentation conform to certain criteria in order to receive academic accommodations?
Yes, the University of Illinois disability documentation criteria, and information regarding disability service policies and procedures, can be found at the homepage of DRES which is located at www.disability.illinois.edu.

Where will I be referred if formal diagnostic testing is necessary?
If diagnostic testing is recommended, you will be provided referral options in the Champaign-Urbana community, St. Louis, and/or the Chicago metro area.  Dress provides some diagnostic testing for students who have had no previous diagnostic testing.  There is often a waiting list for testing at DRES, but students are not charged a fee.

What charges can a student expect to incur for diagnostic testing?
There is considerable variability in the costs associated with diagnostic testing, depending on the amount of testing that needs to be completed in order to arrive at a diagnosis.  You are encouraged to discuss fee information with the referral sources and your insurance provider.

Who provides academic accommodations for a learning disability or attention deficit disorder?
If you are diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD, and/or psychiatric disorder, you may be eligible for academic adjustments, modifications, and/or auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The University of Illinois has charged the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services with the responsibility for coordinating the provision of reasonable academic accommodations for the documented manifestations of cognitive and/or psychiatric disabilities.  For more information about disability services, you may contact DRES at (217) 333-1970 (phone), (217) 244-9738 (TTY), or by email at disability@illinois.edu.

How do I make a screening appointment?
By calling either the Counseling Center at (217) 333-3704, McKinley Mental Health Clinic at (217) 333-2705, or Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services at (217) 333-1970.