Although the more generic term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is often used, we will use the official nomenclature from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Documentation must include:

1. The qualifications of the diagnostician. Professionals diagnosing ADHD must have comprehensive training in differential diagnosis & direct experience with adolescents and adults with ADHD. The following professionals are considered qualified: clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and other qualified medical/mental health professionals.
2. Evidence of the current impairment. Assessment should consist of more than just a self-report. It should include a history of attentional symptoms, including evidence of ongoing impulsive, hyperactive or inattentive behavior that has significantly impaired functioning over time.
3. Possible alternative diagnoses and/or explanations. The assessment should explore alternative diagnoses including psychiatric and medical disorders as well as any educational or cultural factors which may impact the individual and result in behaviors similar to ADHD.
4. A clinical and/or diagnostic battery. The assessment should contain a comprehensive clinical evaluation and/or standardized clinical measures for inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity as delineated in the DSM-5. Any quantitative information needs to be in standard scores and/or percentiles.
5. The printed name, signature, title, professional credentials/license number, address, phone number and fax number of each evaluator involved as well as the date(s) of testing/evaluation, all on official letterhead.