ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

The student shall submit a current diagnosis (no more than three years old unless testing was done after 18 years of age) of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) that is based on appropriate diagnostic evaluations administered by trained and qualified (i.e., certified or licensed) professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, or neuropsychologists).

The written diagnostic report must include

  • A diagnostic interview addressing relevant historical information
  • Past and current academic achievement
  • Age at initial diagnosis
  • Discussion of medication
  • History and effectiveness of accommodations in past educational settings.
  • The procedures used to diagnose the disability (including a list of all instruments used in the assessment).
  • Discussion of the testing results and behavior, including the symptoms that meet the criteria diagnosis. If the student was evaluated while on medication, the effect this may have had on performance must be noted.
  • DSM-IV diagnosis (including all five axes)
  • A diagnostic summary statement that includes the following information:
    • A clear statement that ADHD/ADD does or does not exist
    • Must include a rule-out of alternative explanations for behaviors.
    • Terms such as "appears," "suggests," or "has problems with" used in the diagnostic summary statement do not support a conclusive diagnosis.
  • A clear statement specifying the substantial limitations to one or more major life activities and the degree of severity. If the limitations are in learning (e.g., reading, mathematics, and written expression), an appropriate psycho-educational evaluation must be administered to document ability/achievement discrepancies.
  • A recommendation regarding medications or medical evaluation(s).
  • A recommendation for accommodations, including rationale.