ADD/ADHD is considered a medical or clinical diagnosis.  Individuals qualified to render a diagnosis for this disorder are practitioners who have been trained in the assessment of ADHD and are experienced in assessing the needs of adult learners.  Recommended practitioners may include:  developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical or educational psychologist, or a combination of such professionals.  The diagnosticians must be impartial and not a family member of the student.  Specific records for attention deficit disorder needed are as follows:

Ø       Clear statement of ADD or ADHD with the DSM-IV diagnosis and a description of supporting past and present symptoms

Ø       A list of questionnaires, interviews and observations used to identify the ADD behaviors used to make the diagnosis.  A summary should include information regarding the onset, longevity and severity of the symptoms

Ø       A complete psycho-educational evaluation, including a cognitive assessment with a report of data and the interpretation of this data which supports the diagnosis

Ø       Information concerning the impact of the ADD/ADHD on the educational setting, including functional limitations

Ø       A statement of the functional impact or limitation of the disorder or disability on learning or the major life activity and degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which accommodations are being requested

Ø       Medication history and current recommendations regarding medication

Information concerning comorbidity

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