All documentation must be submitted on official letterhead of the professional/service provider describing the disability.

1. A qualified professional must conduct the evaluation.
   Professionals such as psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists and other relevantly trained medical doctors must have comprehensive training and relevant experience in differential diagnosis and the full range of psychiatric disorders. Documentation must include the following:
   
   • Name
   • Title
   • Professional credentials
   • License or certification
   • Area of specialization
   • Employment and state of employment
2. Testing must be current.
   Within the past three (3) years
   
   
3. Documentation must be comprehensive.
   
   
   1. Evidence of early impairment:  Relevant historical information must demonstrate that the symptoms of ADHD existed in childhood and manifest in more than one setting.
      
      
   2. Evidence of current impairment: The following areas must be investigated:
      
      
      1. Statement of presenting problem: Evidence of ongoing impulsive/hyperactive or inattentive behaviors significantly impairing functioning in two or more settings must be provided.
         
      2. Diagnostic interview - Information from various sources should include, non-exclusively, the following:
         
         
         • History of presenting attentional symptoms
         • Developmental history
         • Relevant medical and medication history
         • Relevant psychosocial history and any relevant interventions
         • Academic history
         • Relevant employment history
         • Relevant history of prior therapy
         • Relevant family history of any learning, physical or psychological difficulties
         • A review of prior psychoeducational test reports for support of diagnosis
         • A description of current attention-related functional limitations in educational settings
   3. Alternative diagnoses or explanations should be ruled out.
      The evaluator must rule out the possibility of alternative diagnoses, medical and psychiatric disorders as well as educational and cultural factors affecting the individual.
      
      
   4. Relevant testing information must be provided.
      Neuropsychological or psychoeducational assessment is required and is important in determining the impact on an individual's current ability to function in academically related settings. Relevant background information must be included in the evaluation report to support the diagnosis.
      
      Tests should determine the following:
      
      
      • Intellectual ability
      • Memory functions
      • Attention tests
      • Continuous performance

      The following by themselves do not substantiate the diagnosis of ADHD:
      
      

      • Grade equivalent scores
      • Test scores
      • Subtest scores
      • Surveys and checklists
   5. Identification of DSM-IV criteria: In diagnosing ADHD, it is particularly important to address the following criteria:
      
      • Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity or inattention causing impairment must have been present in childhood
      • Current symptoms have been present for at least the past six months
      • Impairment from symptoms exists in two or more settings
      • Impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning is clear
      • Symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder when not occurring exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Development Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder.
   6. Documentation must include a specific diagnosis.
      A specific diagnosis of ADHD expressed in direct language and based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.
      
      
   7. An interpretative summary must be provided.
      A well-written interpretative summary based on a comprehensive evaluative process MUST include the following:
      
      
      • Demonstration of the evaluator having ruled out alternative explanations
      • Indication of how characteristics of ADHD are chronic and evident in different settings
      • Indication of whether or not the individual was evaluated while on medication, and if the medication was beneficial.
      • Indication and discussion of the limitation ADHD presents to the individual in the testing context for which accommodations are requested
      • Indication of how specific accommodations mediate the effects of ADHD symptoms
        
4. Each accommodation recommended by the evaluator must include a rationale.
   
   
   1. The multifaceted evaluation must describe:
      • The impact of the diagnosed ADHD on a specific major life activity
      • The degree of impact on the individual, including intensity and frequency of the symptoms
   2. The diagnostic report must:
      • Include specific recommendations for accommodations that are realistic and can be reasonably provided
      • Validate the need for services based on the individual's present level of functioning in the educational setting