What eligibility category includes students with ADHD?

What eligibility category includes students with ADHD?

• A. Speech or Language Impairment
• B. Other Health Impairment (OHI)
• C. Specific Learning Disability
• D. Autism

Answer: (B)

ADHD is typically classified under Other Health Impairment because the condition can limit a student’s alertness, energy, or stamina in the classroom, which can adversely affect academic performance. When ADHD leads to difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, following multi-step directions, or completing work, it meets the kind of impact IDEA describes for OHI. With this eligibility, a school can provide supports through an IEP or a 504 plan, such as preferential seating, extended time, or structured breaks, to help the student access the curriculum. The other options describe different domains: Speech or Language Impairment covers communication disorders; Specific Learning Disability involves processing difficulties in reading, writing, or math; Autism concerns social communication and behavior patterns. ADHD isn’t the same as these categories, though it can occur alongside them.

ADHD is typically classified under Other Health Impairment because the condition can limit a student’s alertness, energy, or stamina in the classroom, which can adversely affect academic performance. When ADHD leads to difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, following multi-step directions, or completing work, it meets the kind of impact IDEA describes for OHI. With this eligibility, a school can provide supports through an IEP or a 504 plan, such as preferential seating, extended time, or structured breaks, to help the student access the curriculum.

The other options describe different domains: Speech or Language Impairment covers communication disorders; Specific Learning Disability involves processing difficulties in reading, writing, or math; Autism concerns social communication and behavior patterns. ADHD isn’t the same as these categories, though it can occur alongside them.