SDAC: Documentation Guidelines

Although the underlying processes involved in ADHD may be lifelong, there may be changes in functioning within an academic setting over time and SDAC requires current/recent documentation.

Documentation must:

• reflect the student’s current level of functioning.
• be provided by a licensed clinician (i.e. psychologist, psychiatrist, primary care physician who knows the student well) who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• be conducted within five years of the date of request for services, if submitting an evaluation (i.e., neuropsychological evaluation).
• typically reflect the use of adult normative scales for diagnosis. Recent high school evaluations may be accepted, but not those from elementary school.
• be typed on letterhead, (or on the Verification of Disability form), dated, and signed by the evaluator.
• include a clearly stated diagnosis of the disabling condition, the date of diagnosis, and the date of most recent contact with the individual.
• include a description of observed symptoms that are consistent with the DSM diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
• present the individual’s history of ADHD, including any history of previous accommodations.
• include a clear description of the limitations in academic functioning resulting from ADHD, as well as a description of the impact of medications or other treatments prescribed.
• include specific recommendations concerning accommodations needed in an academic setting.

Students seeking a psychoeducational evaluation or evaluation with a psychiatrist should look at the Resources for ADHD/LD page. Students may also schedule an nondiagnostic ADHD consult with a psychologist to explore their options for evaluation.

Although the underlying processes involved in specific learning disabilities may be lifelong, there may be changes in functioning within an academic setting over time and SDAC requires current/recent documentation. A comprehensive psychoeducational/ neuropsychological evaluation is required to establish a diagnosis of a specific Learning Disorder.

The evaluation must:

• be provided by a licensed professional (e.g., psychologist or psycho-educational specialist). The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• be conducted within five years of the date of request for services.
• be typed on letterhead, dated, and signed by the evaluator.
• clearly state diagnosis of the disabling condition.
• typically reflect the use of adult normative scales for diagnosis. Recent high school evaluations may be accepted, but not those from elementary school.
• provide a summary of a comprehensive diagnostic interview, including a history of relevant medical, developmental, and educational events.
• include a description of the tests and procedures used.
• outline information demonstrating current substantial limitations in learning.
• provide comprehensive assessment of:
  • general intellectual ability (IQ),
  • academic achievement, and
  • specific components of information processing.
• include all standard scores obtained and results for all subtest.
• include a clear description of the functional limitations resulting from the learning disability, as well as a description of the impact of medications or other treatments prescribed.
• include specific recommendations concerning accommodations needed in an academic setting.

Note: Screening instruments are not acceptable as the sole measure used in any
area.

Documentation must:

• be provided by a licensed mental health professional or physician who knows the student well, is qualified to diagnose the type of condition for which accommodation is being requested, and/or is responsible for treatment of the disorder. The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• reflect the student’s current level of functioning.
• be current (generally within one year of the date of request for services).
  • Exceptions may be made based on the stability and nature of the disability.
• be typed on letterhead (or on the Verification of Disability form), dated, and signed by the evaluator.
• include a clearly stated diagnosis of the disabling condition, the date of diagnosis, and the date of most recent contact with the individual.
• provide information about the stability of the condition, whether it is expected to progress over time, and whether changes to accommodations may need to be made over a period of time.
• include a description of current symptoms that meet the DSM diagnostic criteria for the disorder.
• present the history of the individual relevant to the disorder, including any history of previous accommodations.
• include a clear description of how the condition impacts the individual and specific ways in which it affects their academic, social or daily functioning.
• include current treatments or medications.
• include specific recommendations concerning accommodations needed in an
• academic setting.

Documentation must:

• be provided by a licensed professional who is qualified to diagnose the type of condition for which accommodation is being requested. The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• include a clearly stated diagnosis of the disabling condition.
• be typed on letterhead (or on the Verification of Disability Form), dated, and signed by the evaluator.
• include a detailed description of the tests or procedures used to establish the diagnosis.
• reflect the student’s current level of functioning.
• provide information about the stability of the condition, whether it is expected to progress over time, and whether changes to accommodations may need to be made over a period of time.
• present the history of the individual relevant to the disorder, including any history of previous accommodations.
• include a clear description of the functional limitations resulting from the disabling condition.
• include current treatments or medications.
• include specific recommendations concerning accommodations needed in an
• academic setting.

Request a Dietary Accommodation

Dietary accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Decisions regarding
accommodations can be reached only after appropriate disability documentation
has been received and evaluated. However, please do not delay applying and
meeting with SDAC out of concern for not having the right paperwork.

• Complete the SDAC Student Application to request accommodations.
• Students with existing SDAC accommodations will continue to work with their assigned SDAC Advisor.
• Complete the Student Request for Dietary Accommodations Form.
• Submit the Verification of Disability form (to be filled out by the treating provider).

Further information about the dietary accommodations process can be found on the
Accommodations and Services page.

Guidelines for Documentation

Students who wish to request dietary accommodations should have their physician
or treating professional submit a Verification of Disability form. The documentation
must:

• Be completed by a licensed professional or physician who is qualified to diagnose the type of condition for which accommodation is being requested. The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• Include a clearly stated diagnosis of the disabling condition, the date of diagnosis, the date of most recent contact with the individual, and the current level of functioning.
• Provide a summary of procedures and laboratory results used to arrive at the diagnosis.
• Include information about the stability of the condition, whether it is expected to progress over time, and whether changes to accommodations may need to be made over a period of time.
• Treatments and/or medications currently in use that may be impacting day to day functioning, either in a positive or negative way, should be provided. This will be taken into consideration when determining accommodation needs.
• Describe the specific diet(s) recommended and estimate the length of time the diet is needed.
• Suggest appropriate dietary, housing, and/or academic accommodation(s) and outline the level of need for the requested accommodation and the anticipated consequences of not receiving the requested accommodation.

Please note that more than one Verification of Disability Form may be needed
(completed by different providers), depending on the nature and complexity of the
student’s condition(s).

Dietary Accommodation Considerations

Severity of Condition:

• Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
• Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
• If not permanent, is there a potential adverse health reaction if the request is not met?
• Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?

Request a Housing Accommodation

• Complete the SDAC Student Application to request accommodations. Students with existing SDAC accommodations will continue to work with their assigned SDAC Advisor.
• Complete the Student Request for Housing Accommodation Form (DocuSign)
• Submit the Verification of Disability Form (to be filled out by the treating provider).

Further information about the housing accommodations process can be found on
the Accommodations and Services page.

Guidelines for Documentation

Students who wish to request housing accommodations should have their physician
or treating professional submit a Verification of Disability Form. The documentation
must:

• Include a clearly stated diagnosis of the disabling condition, the date of diagnosis, the date of most recent contact with the individual, and the current level of functioning.
• Include information about the stability of the condition, whether it is expected to progress over time, and whether changes to accommodations may need to be made over a period of time.
• Be provided by a licensed professional or physician who is qualified to diagnose the type of condition for which accommodation is being requested. The practitioner should not be related to the person being evaluated.
• Include the methods of evaluation used in making the diagnosis.
• Describe the symptoms and effects of the diagnosis/disability.
• Include the type of housing accommodation being recommended.
• Provide evidence that the condition significantly impacts one or more major life functions, as well as the clear nexus between the nature of the disability and the requested accommodation. The provider must address how the requested accommodation(s) alleviate the symptoms or affect the diagnosis/disability?
• The level of need for the requested accommodation and the anticipated consequences of not receiving the requested accommodation.