• A complete psychoeducational or neuropsychological report, including the components listed below, is preferred to document ADHD for students at American University.

• If ADHD has been diagnosed by a medical doctor, a report or letter may provide adequate documentation of the disability. Such a report must include all of the criteria listed below (except #4, which may or may not have been done by a medical doctor).

1. Statement of the presenting problem
2. Relevant history from a diagnostic interview, including
o developmental
o medical
o academic
o family
o psychosocial
o other previous and current diagnoses
o results or copies of screening tools/assessments/questionnaires used for evaluation and diagnosis
3. Alternative diagnoses or explanations ruled out
4. Testing, including scores and discussion of results
5. DSM-IV diagnosis and rationale
6. Medication prescribed – both current and past, as well as response, adverse reactions and side effects

Please Note: Psychiatric Care is specialty care and the fees differ from routine Student Health Center visits.

If a student cannot present the above documentation, prescriptions for ADHD medication cannot be prescribed by Student Health Center providers. In such cases, a student should contact the Academic Support Center and obtain a list of psychiatrists in the community with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD. The Academic Support Center can also arrange for an initial screening to assist in determining whether and where an evaluation might be obtained off-campus. There is no fee for this service.

The Academic Support Center (ASC) assists students with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in arranging for accommodations in their classes, and provides specialized academic support in areas such as time management, writing skills, reading, exam skills and note taking. A variety of services are available: individual appointments, the Writing Lab, study skills workshops, tutor referrals, and group tutoring in Supplemental Instruction sessions. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call 202-885-3360 or stop by MGC 243.