A screening is a two hour interview looking at a broad range of historical, academic, study habits/skills, academic frustrations and emotional components. The screening will not yield a diagnosis, rather, it assists in the decision making process for recommending next steps.
To schedule a screening or request additional information please contact:
The Office of Disability Services
Screening and Referral Graduate Assistant
540-568-6705
Student Success Center, Suite 1202
Is my screening confidential?
All information is confidential, unless you sign a release, indicate intent of harming yourself or others, indicate past or present child abuse, or indicate a medical emergency.
How do I get started?
If you are frustrated with your learning, scheduling a screening and referral appointment may be helpful. Prior to scheduling your referral appointment, visit the Office of Disability Services to obtain the required paperwork.
What to expect at your screening appointment.
The screening consists of a two-hour interview and a brief behavioral self-report assessment. The interview covers topics ranging from educational background, study habits/skills, sleeping/eating habits, academic frustrations and social-emotional components. The screening process is conducted by the Screening and Referral graduate assistant in the School Psychology program. The graduate assistant composes a confidential write up of interview responses. With this information, the graduate assistant and members from the ISLA triage committee formulate appropriate recommendations. An informing session is then scheduled in order to share these recommendations.
What happens after the interview?
A follow up meeting will be scheduled to discuss recommendations made by the interprofessional committee. Recommendations may include referral for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment (i.e. testing) at the Interprofessional Services for Learning Assessment (ISLA) Clinic or with other qualified diagnosticians. Comprehensive evaluations are performed by a licensed psychologist (PhD or PsyD) who has training in and experience doing these types of specialized evaluations. You can get recommendations from your family doctor, therapist, other parents, or your high school. Referrals to other JMU resources may also be provided. If you are not referred for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment you will be given recommendations for support services located on and off campus.
What do I do if a comprehensive diagnostic assessment is not recommended?
You will be encouraged to seek out and utilize existing university resources such as the Learning Centers, Learning Strategies Instruction (LSI),Career and University Advising, University Career Center or Counseling Center.
What happens after a comprehensive diagnostic assessment if I am diagnosed with a disability?
If you receive a diagnosis and you need to request accommodations due to the identified functional limitations of a disability, you will need to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Visit the ODS website for more information about getting started. You will need to submit a copy of your assessment report along with the ODS application. Please allow approximately two weeks after submission of your report for the staff to review your file and then ODS will call you to schedule a registration appointment.
