ADD Documentation Guidelines

Guidelines for Documentation of Attention Deficit Disorder

Tidewater Community College students seeking academic accommodations for Attention Deficit Disorder are required to submit documentation verifying eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

All documentation is confidential and is never considered a part of the academic transcript. The following guidelines are provided in the interest of identifying evaluation reports appropriate to document eligibility.

• Documentation must be based on DSM-IV criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• The process of diagnosis should be reported using test scores and/or appropriate data.
• Data related to or used to rule out concomitant conditions should be included.
• Medication recommendations, if any, should be stated.
• Professionals conducting and rendering diagnoses of attention deficit disorder must be qualified to do so. Licensed psychologists, licensed neuropsychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed counselors and/or licensed physicians are typically involved in assessment. Experience in working with an adult population is essential.
• Diagnostic reports must contain the names, titles, and license information of the evaluator(s), and the dates of evaluation(s).
• Reports must be submitted on professional letterhead. Prescription pads and copies of letterhead are not acceptable.
• Reports should contain recommendations for reasonable accommodations suitable to a postsecondary academic setting.
• Students submitting documentation for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder from a physician or psychologist in which there has been no comprehensive evaluation will be limited to accommodations for tape recording, extra time for tests, and priority seating.

The Coordinator: Learning Disabilities Services and Campus Disabilities Counselors
are available to consult with diagnosticians regarding these guidelines.