Learning disorders are biological conditions that result in individuals having specific difficulties with reading (dyslexia), mathematics (dyscalculia), or written expression (dysgraphia). These disorders cause individuals to perform at a level well below that expected for their associated age, schooling and degree of intelligence.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a biological condition characterized by difficulty in attention and concentration, easy distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

As many as 5% of college and university students suffer from some sort of learning and/or attentional disorder that can impact their ability to perform academically. The cause of these disorders is not known although several theories have been proposed. Often these students have been diagnosed and treated at a younger age with the expectation that they would “outgrow” the problem. The need for treatment often extends beyond high school and may be necessary indefinitely. Some students will discover the disorders in college and appropriate treatment should be initiated. Special accommodations may be helpful to assist students in achieving their maximal academic potential.

How is it diagnosed?

There are no specific lab tests or physical findings that will establish the diagnosis. To identify learning or attentional disorders, a thorough history taken by a qualified health care professional and a neurobehavioral assessment are required. The neurobehavioral assessment consists of a series of tests and questionnaires, specifically tailored for use in the college-aged student, that measure various central nervous system functions such as fine motor skills, written output, receptive and expressive language, memory, time and sequential ability, and visual-spatial processing (three-dimensional thinking). It also measures the brain’s ability to focus and concentrate. This is not an intelligence (IQ) test or a psychological evaluation and, in some instances, students will need additional testing to confirm a diagnosis.

A neurobehavioral assessment is lengthy and expensive. It is recommended only to students with significant attentional and learning problems who are struggling to maintain good academic standing or whose academic status is in jeopardy due to poor performance. Some, but not all, medical insurance plans cover this testing. Payment plans can usually be worked out with the Sindecuse billing department if necessary.

Treatment of ADHD and Learning Disabilities

There is effective pharmacologic management available for ADHD. There may be modifications in the academic environment to accommodate the unique needs of students with these diagnoses.

Services at Western Michigan University

At Sindecuse Health Center, a one-hour consultation appointment may be scheduled with Bryan Staufer, MD or Mark A. Sloane, DO, physicians who have special clinical expertise in the evaluation and treatment of young adults with learning disorders. This evaluation will determine what further assessment will be necessary to diagnose and treat your problem. If a neurobehavioral assessment is recommended, a three-hour time commitment on a separate day for testing, and a one-hour commitment for test results will be required.

Disabled Student Resources and Services
Provides assistance to WMU students with documented disabilities. Students should register with the Director if they have been diagnosed with a learning or attentional disorder. Once registered, students can request and receive various accommodations in the classroom including: extended time for testing, an alternative testing site, permission to tape lectures, copies of overheads or slides used in lectures, volunteer readers, or scribes for classroom testing purposes.

Students must provide adequate documentation of their disability before accommodations can be given. Records from past treating physicians or testing results from Sindecuse Health Center will provide this documentation.

University Counseling and Testing Center
Offers specialized testing that might be recommended after the initial evaluation. Staff psychologists can do full psychological evaluations if needed.

WMU Academic Skills Center
Offers writing and content tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops and seminars to all students wishing to improve their academic skills.