The DSM IV states, “The essential feature of ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development” (p.78). The DSM-IV specifies that the following criteria must be met when diagnosing ADHD.

A. Either (1) or (2):

(1) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with the developmental level:

Inattention

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instruction).

e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).

g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

(2) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity

a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.

c. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).

d. Often had difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.

e. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.

f. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

g. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

h. Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Mental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

DIAGNOSTIC CODES: The DSM-IV diagnostic code identifies several types of ADHD.

314.00 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: If criterion A1 is met but Criterion A2 is not met for the past 6 months.

314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: If Criterion A2 is met but Criterion A1 is not met for the past 6 months.

314.01Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type: If both criteria in A1 and A2 are met for the past 6 months.

Coding Note: For individuals (especially adolescents and adults) who currently have symptoms that no longer meet the full criteria, “In Partial Remission” would be specified in the diagnosis.

The diagnosis and documentation of attention deficit disorder should be made by a professional (psychiatrist, child psychiatrist, licensed clinical or educational psychologist, neurologist, or a combination of such professionals) with expertise in diagnosing this disorder in adults and diagnosing other psychiatric disorders which might be co-existing or confused with attention deficit disorder. The diagnostic evaluation should be current, i.e. within three years of the student’s request for disability services.

Included in the assessment of AD/HD should be the following:

1. Interviews and questionnaires which permit the student to describe current concerns and past problems;

2. Observations of the student’s behavior;

3. Interviews with significant people in the student’s life, i.e. parents, spouse, partner, friends, teachers, and/or questionnaires filled out by these people;

4. Developmental, educational, and medical histories;

5. Information regarding the history and effectiveness of: (a) medical treatment of the symptoms of AD/HD and/or (b) behavioral interventions made in the treatment of the symptoms of AD/HD;

6. Summary of assessment findings. In particular, if the student is assessed as having a disabling condition, the summary should also include information on