For a student to qualify for services due to a communication disorder, what must occur?

For a student to qualify for services due to a communication disorder, the key criterion is that the disorder must have an educational and/or functional impact. This means that the communication difficulties must affect the student’s ability to succeed in an academic environment or engage meaningfully in daily activities. Examples of such impacts might include trouble expressing thoughts and ideas clearly, which could hinder participation in classroom discussions, or difficulties understanding instructions, which could impede learning.

Having an educational and functional impact establishes the necessity for support, as it indicates that the disorder is not only present but is significant enough to warrant intervention. This requirement reflects the understanding that services aim to enhance the individual’s ability to communicate effectively and function within their environment, ultimately supporting their overall educational experience and social interactions.

In contrast, visibility of the disorder or its being categorized as temporary does not account for the nuanced effects it might have on a student's learning or functioning. Moreover, the absence of impact would not qualify a student for services, as the aim is to address those areas where a student faces challenges.