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GUIDELINES FOR ADD & ADHD DOCUMENTATION

Documentation of a disability must be generated by a medical or professional expert in the related field of disability and submitted in writing to Disability Support Services where it will be kept in a separate, confidential file.  The cost and responsibility for providing this documentation shall be borne by the student. 

NOTE:  A diagnosis of a disorder/condition/syndrome in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations under the ADA, Section 504 or Washington State Law.).

Professional diagnostician(s) to be consulted (may include but not limited to): Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Physician.

• The documentation should be prepared on letterhead paper from the diagnosing or attending appropriate professional (licensure information and address and phone number need to be included).

• The diagnostician should present a specific diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-IV or DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, using direct language in the diagnosis of ADHD and avoiding the use of such terms as, “suggests” “is indicative of,” or “attention problems.”

• The documentation written needs to be current.  This means that the diagnostic evaluation should show the current level of functional limitations and their impact of the condition that rise to the most significant level to meet the definition of a disability.  Currency is determined to usually be within 3 to 5 years, and if longer, the diagnostician should indicate the permanence of the condition.

• The diagnostician should address the student’s current ability to function in the college environment (ability to focus, organize one’s time, attend class, work in groups, work independently, etc.).

• The diagnostician should include current medication(s) and the current side effects that may impact the student in an educational setting.

•  The diagnostician should rule out any alternative diagnoses or explanations of the functional limitations.  .

• The diagnostician should include relevant testing information.  Selected subtest scores from measures of intellectual ability, memory functions tests, attention or tracking tests, or continuous performance tests do not, in and of themselves, establish the presence or absence of ADHD. 

• Note:  Checklists and/or surveys can serve to supplement the diagnostic profile, but in and of themselves are NOT adequate for the diagnosis of ADHD

• Suggestions of reasonable accommodations with supporting evidence may be included.

• It may be useful for the diagnostician to follow the form below.

Please Note:  The final determination for providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations rests with the Disability Support Services Office and Green River Community College.

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Documentation Form for Attention Disabilities:

Note:  This form MUST be accompanied by a written statement made on letterhead paper from the diagnosing or attending appropriate professional (licensure information and address and phone number need to be included) verifying that the professional completed this form.  The appropriate professional MUST also sign this form.

Name of Student:

State the Diagnosis:

Date of Diagnosis:

Permanency of Condition:

Functional Limitations of this specific student:

Address this specific student’s ability to function within a collegiate academic environment:

Include any medications prescribed (names, dosage, side-effects) for this specific student:

Include as an attachment any relevant testing information.  Selected subtest scores from measures of intellectual ability, memory functions tests, attention or tracking tests, or continuous performance tests do not, in and of themselves, establish the presence or absence of ADD or ADHD.

Printed Name of Professional:

Signature of Professional:

Date:

Office Address:

Telephone Number:

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Paula Burns, Director,
ext. 2646

Jean Carlson, Program
Coordinator, ext. 2318

Lindbloom Student Center,
2nd Floor, Room 271A

Main number:
(253) 833-9111

Greater Eastside:
(206) 464-6133

Tacoma:
(253) 924-0180

TDD: (253) 288-3359

FAX: (253) 288-3471