Students: ADD/HD Documentation Criteria

Documentation submitted for an Attention Deficit Disorder / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/HD) diagnosis should substantiate the need for services based on the individual's current level of functioning.

A high school plan such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan is insufficient. A comprehensive assessment battery and the resulting diagnostic report should include a diagnostic interview, assessment of aptitude, academic achievement, information processing and a diagnosis.

Please Note — For all accommodations, appropriate documentation is necessary as outlined by the documentation criteria, and you must also follow the registration process for students.

Requirements for ADD/HD Documentation

(Download: ADD/HD Criteria [PDF file])

Students who require services on the basis of an ADD/HD diagnosis must also meet the Learning Disability (LD) Criteria.

1. Reported history of symptoms of ADHD by the age of seven.
   DATA SOURCE:
   • Clinical Interview
   • Past Psychologists
   • Parent/Spouse Report
2. Self report of three major behaviors from the DSM-IV items.
   DATA SOURCE: DSM-IV items
3. Observations from two professionals across the following settings:
   
   • Working independently
   • Working under direction
   • Working under time constraints
4. Mandatory corroboration of behaviors by another adult (parent, spouse, relative, friend with knowledge of client) including the identification of at least three behaviors from the DSM-IV.
5. Documentation on two rating scales of ADHD behaviors.
   DATA SOURCE:
   • Client Rating Form SCL-90
   • BSI Self-Rating Symptom Checklist
   • Other(s)
6. All other psychiatric or medical disorders, which may cause problems with inattention, may need addition evaluation (i.e. Test Anxiety).
7. In addition to a specific diagnosis include a recommendations/summary section regarding suggested accommodation(s) for this individual in an academic setting (i.e. taped text books, extended time, etc.)

All information received will remain confidential and will not be included in the student's academic file. Should you have any questions, please contact ODS at (404) 727-9877 [voice] or (404) 712-2049 [TDD].