Students requesting accommodations based on a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are required to submit documentation that must include a comprehensive assessment prepared by a licensed professional. The diagnostician must be an impartial individual who is not a family member of the student.
This assessment should be current, reflect significant impairment impacting a major life function, and include a clearly stated diagnosis. Documentation may be in the form of a typewritten letter on professional letterhead and must include the following items:
- Date of diagnosis; the professional should also note whether they were the diagnosing diagnostician and how long the student has been in his/her care
- Tools and/or assessments used during the diagnostic process
- Comprehensive review of DSM-IV criteria, indicating the symptoms endorsed
- Evidence of significant impact on academic functioning
- Prior and current accommodations and treatments; if there are/were none, explain why not
- Any medications currently prescribed and their side effects
- If not previously diagnosed or treated, what factors allowed for successful compensation
- Rationale for the kinds of accommodations requested.