Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)

Guidelines for Documentation of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

Students who are seeking support services from Walla Walla University on the basis of a diagnosis of AD/HD are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation of AD/HD consists of the provision of professional evaluation, which may include testing, and a written report which addresses specific academic needs of the student. The cost and responsibility for providing this professional evaluation shall be borne by the student.

The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the evaluation and report are appropriate for documenting eligibility. All requests for accommodations will be considered, but the University will make the final determination on whether the requested accommodations are reasonable under state and federal guidelines for private universities. Documentation presented to Disabilities Support Services (DSS) will remain in a private confidential file in the DSS Office. The DSS Coordinator is available to consult with diagnosticians regarding these guidelines. The report must:

1. Be prepared by a professional (e.g. licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician) qualified to diagnose AD/HD. Experience in evaluation of adults with AD/HD is essential.
2. Be comprehensive. The use of a single test and/or informal screening instruments is not adequate for the purpose of diagnosis. Written reports should be consistent with the diagnostic criteria found in the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) or DSM-V-TR (Text Revision). A battery of psychological tests and behavior rating scales, a thorough social and educational history and interviews with the student and family are strongly recommended.
   
   The report should be on professional letterhead, signed by the individual making the diagnosis, and include the following information:
   1. How long the diagnostician has treated the student and the date of last contact;
   2. A description of the diagnostic criteria or tests used;
   3. A description of current symptoms, level of severity, and approximate date of onset;
   4. DSM-V or DSM-V-TR diagnosis;
   5. Treatments being prescribed or used (e.g. medication, counseling, etc.);
   6. How the disorder functionally limits or impacts the student in the post-secondary environment;
   7. Possible recommended accommodations;
   8. Diagnostician's name, title, license number, address and phone number.
3. Be current. In most cases, this means within the past two years.  Since assessment constitutes the basis for determining reasonable accommodations, it is in a student's best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation to serve as the basis for decision-making about a student's need for accommodations in an academically competitive environment.
4. Present clear and specific evidence, which identifies the individual's present level of functioning and how the student's education may be impacted.
5. Provide sufficient data to support the particular academic adjustment(s) requested. The documentation should demonstrate the individual has a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Requests not supported by proper documentation will not be approved.

Documentation should be submitted to:

Cindy Saldana, DSS Coordinator
Walla Walla University
204 S. College Ave.
College Place, WA  99324

(509) 527-2366
Fax:  (509) 527-2090
cindy.saldana@wallawalla.edu