Documentation Guidelines: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The process of diagnosing and determining functional limitations of ADHD is highly individualized. The following guidelines are provided to help assure that ADHD documentation is complete and accurate. Disability Resources reserves the right to determine eligibility and appropriate services based on the quality, recency, and completeness of the documentation submitted. All documentation is confidential and will be maintained by Disability Resources.

• Documentation must include a medical or clinical diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria and a rationale for the diagnosis, including evidence of a substantial limitation to learning or other major life activity.
• An appropriate professional, a medical doctor or a clinical psychologist, who is knowledgeable about ADHD, must perform the evaluation. The evaluator's name, title, and professional credentials and affiliation should be provided.
• Complete documentation includes the following:
• Quantitative and qualitative information that supports the diagnosis;
• Summary and interpretation of assessment instruments (formal assessment instruments and/or clinical interview);
• Information regarding the specific academic functions affected by and the severity of the disability (e.g., ability to sustain attention, distraction index);
• Recommendations for and compliance to prescriptive treatment, including medication;
• Investigation/evaluation of dual and/or confounding diagnoses (e.g. mood and behavioral, neurological, learning, personality disorders).
• Documentation must reflect the current array of symptoms/features and level of functioning. If the documentation does not, the student may be required to submit updated information and/or documentation.
• Academic accommodations provided will be based on specific features/symptoms of disability and determined by disability services.
• Neither a 504 plan or an individualized education plan (IEP) constitutes sufficient documentation, but may be submitted along with a medical or clinical evaluation.