Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Documentation should be:
- Current (i.e., within one year)
- From a qualified impartial professional (psychologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, or other relevantly-trained medical doctors) with experience and expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested; documentation cannot be from a family member
- On letterhead (name, license/certification/degree, area of specialization, employment, address, phone) with the medical provider’s signature, credentials, and date
Documentation should include the following as relevant to the request:
- A clear diagnostic statement based on DSM V criteria
- Description of the current symptoms (frequency, duration, and severity) and the impact the disability has on the student’s functioning in a postsecondary environment
- Dates of initial testing / diagnosis and most recent evaluation including instruments and procedures. Details from adult-level neuropsychological or psycho-educational assessment results which meet diagnostic criteria, including evaluation instruments/procedures, cognitive and achievement measures and standardized scores/percentiles, if applicable (age of documentation may vary by diagnosis; we reserve the right to request updated documentation)
- Medical, developmental, and educational histories
- Statement of positive / negative effect of medication on the student’s functioning in the postsecondary setting, if applicable
- Specific recommendations for accommodations and services that would facilitate the student’s reasonable and appropriate access to the College’s academic programs and residence life settings, including rationale for each accommodation
Important Notes
Doctor’s excuses on prescription pads and handwritten letters are not sufficient for documentation of disability.
Documentation will be kept confidential and will be utilized only to determine the student’s eligibility for accommodations or services, and the type of accommodation or level of service required.
Emerson College reserves the right to determine the adequacy of the documentation provided and the right to require additional or other information as determined necessary by Emerson College to complete its consideration of the request.
Please send documents to:
Director of Student Accessibility Services
Emerson College
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Additional Contact Information
- Phone: 617-824-8592
- Fax: 617-824-8941
- Email: SAS [at] emerson.edu (SAS[at]emerson[dot]edu)
