A student must satisfy the definition of a disability as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 defines a disability as a condition which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as learning, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, caring for oneself, and working. To be eligible for accommodations, a student must provide appropriate documentation of each disability that demonstrates an accompanying substantial limitation to one or more major life activities.
Documentation must be in the form of a psychological report.
The diagnostician must address all of the following six criteria in diagnosing AD/HD.
Evidence that anxiety disorders, disorders of depression, mood disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, disassociative disorder, or substance-related disorders are not the primary disability and are not the primary cause of AD/HD.
Standardized assessment measures are utilized in the diagnosis of AD/HD; i.e., T.O.V.A., Continuous Performance Test, neuro-psychological evaluation.
Reported history of AD/HD symptoms by the age of seven, corroborated by another independent source.
Corroboration of current AD/HD symptoms across multiple settings by one or more adults with knowledge of the client’s functioning.
Documentation on two rating scales of AD/HD behaviors/symptoms that have appropriate age norms (i.e., rating scales for childhood and adult behavior.
Evidence of interference of AD/HD with appropriate academic or social functioning.
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If diagnosis is associated with a learning disability, this should be identified, and a current, appropriate psycho-educational evaluation should be attached.
The type of AD/HD needs to be diagnosed per the DSM-IV Diagnostic Code.
Level of severity of AD/HD needs to be addressed; i.e., mild, moderate, severe.
Symptoms meeting diagnosis must be addressed.
Functional limitations must be addressed.
Medication (dosage and side effects) and other treatments should be included.
Summaries of questionnaires, measures, or other clinical data should be included.
Documentation must be in the form of a psychological report, a neuro-psychological report, or a psychiatric evaluation.
Diagnosis should be made by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
There must be a specific diagnosis which is consistent with the diagnostic criteria found in the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition.
Report must include information as to whether or not the student may be a danger to himself or others.
Documentation must be in the form of a psychological report
Professionals conducting the assessment must be qualified to do so, and it is essential that they have experience in working with the adult population.
Licensure/Certificate information, area of specialization, and employment in which province or states should be included.
The specific diagnosis of the disability must be clearly stated and explained (not vague, nonspecific,or inconclusive).
Current symptoms meeting diagnosis must be addressed.
The diagnostic report must specify the degree of current functional loss and/or the functional limitations of the disability.
The diagnostic report must include anticipated effects of the functional limitations within the academic setting.
The diagnostic report must include suggested recommendation(s) of accommodation(s) or auxiliary aid(s) for the student, including information about the conditions under which they might be used.
If medications are taken, these should be listed as well as their potential side effects.