ADD/ADHD

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition marked by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in others at a comparable level of development.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must negatively impact academic/occupational activities as well as social activities. In other words, ADHD would be expected to negatively impact more than just school functioning. Also, several symptoms must be present before 12 years of age.

1. ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation (formerly referred to as ADD): symptoms include a failure to give close attention to details, problems sustaining attention in tasks and taking them to completion, difficulty with organizing tasks, etc.

2. ADHD, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation: symptoms include fidgetiness, appearing ‘on the go’ or as if ‘driven by a motor,’ frequently interrupting others, difficulty awaiting one’s turn, etc.

3. ADHD, combined presentation: a combination of the two subtypes above.

If you already have been diagnosed with ADHD, there are a few steps necessary to receive help from the Accessibility Center:

1. Complete the initial meeting form here.

2. Schedule an Initial Meeting with one of our coordinators by telephoning 801-422-2767. This appointment will take approximately 60 minutes and will review your history and symptoms.

3. Bring a copy of your documentation supporting your diagnosis to the Initial Meeting. If you do not have written documentation of your ADHD diagnosis, please complete the Documentation of Disability form, have it completed by your treatment professional, and return it to the Accessibility Center in person or via fax (801-422-0174).

4. During your Initial Meeting your coordinator will review your information and determine what accommodations and/or required further evaluation is applicable.

**Your documentation of ADHD must be current (within the last two years) to qualify you for accommodations. If it is older, updated documentation will be necessary.

The Accessibility Center offers assessment for students who believe that they may have attention problems. This testing is done for a nominal fee ($50). If you would like to be evaluated by the Accessibility Center, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the initial meeting form here.

2. Contact the Accessibility Center front desk (801-422-2767) to join our ADHD testing waitlist. Once an appointment is available, the initial meeting typically takes 60 minutes and includes a review of your history and symptoms.

3. At the initial meeting, if an evaluation is deemed appropriate, your coordinator will give you several ADHD questionnaires to complete. After all testing is completed and turned in to the Accessibility Center front desk, you will be able to schedule a feedback session with your coordinator for one week or more in the future. We need this processing time to score and interpret the results.

4. If you qualify as having ADHD, your coordinator will discuss what academic accommodations and treatment options (e.g., medication, coaching, or counseling) may be available.