Office of Disability Services
Requirements for Documentation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(Inattentive or Combined Type)
Definition
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a neurologically-based medical condition. According to the DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition), the “essential feature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or occupational functioning.” These behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. The behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, such as school, home, work, or social settings.
A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Combined Type or Inattentive Type must meet the following criteria:
I. Qualified Professional Must Conduct the ADHD Evaluation
- Evaluator must be properly licensed/certified in the area of Adult Attention Deficit Disorders
- This may include psychiatrists, neuro-psychiatrists/ psychologists and/or psychologists trained in treatment and diagnosis of Adult ADHD
- A physician's diagnosis of ADHD must be accompanied by an in-depth, comprehensive ADHD evaluation as described in Roman Numeral III below
- Physician notes and/or prescription notes are not acceptable
- Use of diagnostic terminology indicating ADHD by someone not qualified is not acceptable
II. Testing Must Be Current
Appalachian State University requires the comprehensive ADHD evaluation be current within three (3) years of the arrival date on-campus
III. In-Depth, Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation Must Include:
Two or More Assessment Instruments (not all inclusive)
- Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scales - Adult
- Copeland Symptom Checklist for Attention Deficit Disorders
- Conner’s Continuous Performance Test - CPT
- Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA-A/TOVA-R)
- Adult ADHD Behavior Checklist
- Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale
DSM-IV Guidelines
- 314.01 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type
- 314.00 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type
- 314.01 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- 314.9 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, NOS
- Educational History
- Medical History
- Social/Emotional History and/or assessment
- Cognitive/Achievement testing is optional and up to the discretion of the Evaluator
IV. Eligibility Criteria
- Specify a clear diagnosis of ADHD based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, including results of comprehensive assessment instruments and a review of educational, social, emotional and medical history
- Rule out alternative explanations for inattentiveness, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity as a result of psychological or medical disorders
- Provide evidence of a “substantial functional limitation” to learning
- Avoid the use of terms such as “suggests,” “is indicative of,” or “attentional problems.”
- Individuals who report only problems with organization, test anxiety, memory or concentration in selective situations does not fit the criteria for ADHD
V. Written Report
A comprehensive summary must be typed on official letterhead and include:
- Names of assessment instruments used and recommendations based on results
- Quantitative and qualitative information which supports the diagnosis
- The areas of educational impact and the severity of the condition
- Previous history of the disability and prognosis
- Notation of medications prescribed, if any, and potential impact on learning
- The impact of the disorder on the individual with particular detail regarding the academic and/or residential setting
- Rationale when recommendations are made for specific accommodations
- Culminate in a well written, comprehensive ADHD report
VI. Presentation to the Office of Disability Services
Documentation may be submitted to the Office of Disability Services:
- Along with page 11 (Voluntary Disability Disclosure Form) of the Appalachian State University Acceptance Packet received through the mail
- Hand delivery to the Office of Disability Services
- Student is required to initiate an appointment for an individual conference with ODS to formally meet and determine what academic accommodations, if any, are appropriate.
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