Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Guidelines for ADHD

Students requesting academic accommodations from the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR) at Northern Illinois University are typically required to submit documentation that verifies their disability. The nature of the documentation varies depending on the disability. The following guidelines provide an outline of what documentation is needed for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Documentation Form

Diagnosis / Verification of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Documentation must include a diagnosis of ADHD made by a licensed/certified professional qualified to make such a diagnosis (e.g. mental health professional, medical practitioner). A school plan such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan alone is typically insufficient documentation, but may be shared as part of a more comprehensive assessment.

Diagnostic Report Guidelines

A comprehensive report includes the following:

1. Evaluator Information: Name, title, contact information, and signature.
2. Evaluation Date/s: Dates of testing completed within the previous three years; tests results older than three years old will be reviewed by the Coordinator with the student to determine if additional information may be necessary.
3. Evaluation Instruments: The names and resulting scores of the instruments used in making the diagnosis, including the use of DSM-IV-TR criteria, along with "The Copeland Symptom Checklist for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders," the "Wender Utah Rating Scale," the "Barkley Semistructured Interview for Adult ADHD," and/or the "Test of Variable Attention."
4. Descriptive Written Report: A narrative description and interpretation of the diagnostic assessment which identifies how the ADHD impacts academic performance. A brief note from a medical practitioner or statement/record of "other health impaired" is not sufficient by itself. 
5. Recommendations: Specific academic related accommodations or support services which are based on the diagnosis.
6. Prescriptive Treatments and Medications: Any current or suggested treatment plans or prescribed medications, and potential side effects or responses to medication.

Recommendations for Individuals Seeking Diagnostic Assessment for ADHD:

When selecting a professional, contact your insurance company to determine if they will cover testing. If yes, then ask for their list of preferred providers. If no (or don't have insurance) contact CAAR for a referral list of providers. When contacting a professional, ask about his or her credentials and about what experience he or she has had in working with adults with ADHD.

When you go for the evaluation, take a copy of these guidelines to the professional. Encourage him or her to contact the Center for Access-Ability Resources with any questions that he or she has. Be prepared to be thorough and honest with requested information, knowing that the professionals must maintain confidentiality with respect to your records and testing information.

Once the evaluation is completed, ask for a written copy of the report, schedule time to discuss the results and recommendations with the evaluator, maintain a copy for your own records and provide a copy to CAAR.

All documentation is confidential and should be sent to:

Center for Access-Ability Resources
Health Services - Fourth Floor
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115