Policy on Documentation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

In order to request accommodations in the classroom and receive services, the student must have a clear diagnosis of ADHD. It is the student’s responsibility to secure documentation. The University of Alaska Southeast is not responsible for provision of diagnostic services to prospective or currently enrolled students.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is considered a medical or clinical diagnosis. Individuals qualified to render a diagnosis for these disorders are practitioners who have been trained in the assessment of ADHD and are experienced in assessing the needs of adult learners. Qualified practitioners include developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, clinical or educational psychologists, family physicians, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, or a combination of such professionals.

The documentation should include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. A clear statement of ADHD with the *DSM-IV diagnosis and a description of supporting symptoms.
2. A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis.
3. A narrative summary, including all scores, which supports the diagnosis.
4. Pertinent medication information (e.g., the impact of medication on the student’s ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment).

While older diagnostic evaluations will be considered, current documentation is preferred and may be required.

Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing learning disabilities or other disabling conditions are indicated.

*DSM IV: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.