Guidelines for Documentation of Attention Deficit Disorder
Students applying to NIU and enrolled students requesting support services and/or accommodations from CAAR are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This documentation should be current within three years, but exceptions may be necessary dependent upon individual circumstances and disability.
Attention Deficit Disorder Documentation Form
Diagnostician / Evaluator Qualifications
The diagnosis must be made by a licensed mental health professional and/or
qualified physician. It is not considered appropriate for professionals
to evaluate members of their families.
Diagnosis / Verification of the Attention Deficit
The documentation must include a clearly stated clinical diagnosis of
Attention Deficit Disorder (Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, or Combined Type), based on DSM-IV criteria.
It must include the need for services based on current levels of functioning
in an educational setting. A school plan such as an individualized educational
program (IEP) or a 504 Plan alone is insufficient documentation, but can
be included as part of a more comprehensive assessment.
Diagnostic Report
Guidelines
A brief note from a doctor is not sufficient to substantiate a diagnosis
of Attention Deficit Disorder. Documentation should be in the form of a comprehensive written report
which should include the following information:
- Evaluator Information: Name, title, address, and phone number of the
evaluator/s.
- Evaluation Date/s: Dates of the assessment; assessment must have been
completed within the previous three years.
- Evaluation Instruments: The names and resulting scores of the instruments
used in making the diagnosis. There should be indication that the DSM-IV
criteria for ADHD were surveyed and which symptoms are endorsed. Other
suggested rating scales/evaluation instruments include, but are not
limited to, "The Copeland Symptom Checklist for Adult Attention
Deficit Disorders," the "Wender Utah Rating Scale," the
"Barkley Semistructured Interview for Adult ADHD," and the
"Test of Variable Attention (TOVA)."
- Descriptive Written Report: A narrative description and interpretation
of the diagnostic assessment which identifies how the attention deficit
impacts academic performance, including quantitative and qualitative
information which supports the diagnosis.
- Recommendations/Accommodations: Recommendations for specific reasonable
academic-related accommodations and/or support services which are based
on the diagnostic evaluation results and supported by the diagnosis.
- Prescriptive Treatments and/or Medications: Any suggested treatment
plans or prescribed medications and response to any medication (i.e.
effectiveness, any adverse side effects, etc.).
- Additional Observations/Recommendations: Any additional observations
or recommendations which would assist CAAR in providing appropriate
services and/or accommodations.
All
documentation is confidential and should be sent to:
Center for Access-Ability Resources
Health Services - Fourth Floor
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
