Waycross College

Georgia Board of Regents Criteria for Accepting Outside Evaluation Documentation - ADHD

DSM-IV classifications were developed for use in clinical, educational, and research settings, and are meant to be employed by individuals with appropriate clinical training and experience in diagnosis. DSM-IV criteria should not be applied mechanically by untrained individuals, but reported as a cohesive evaluation supporting the diagnosis.

Criterion One: Reported history of symptoms of ADHD by age 7.
Suggested data sources: Clinical interview
Past Psychological's
Parent/Spouse Report

Criterion Two: Self report of six major behaviors from the DSM-IV items
Suggested data sources: Clinical interview utilizing DSM-IV items

Criterion Three: Observations from two independent professionals (clinician,teacher,etc.) across the following settings:

working independently
working under direction
working under time constraints.

Identification of the same six major behaviors across both observers.
Suggested Data Source: ADHD Observational Forms(s)

Criterion Four: Mandatory corroboration of behaviors by another adult (parent, spouse, relative, friend, with integrity of knowledge of client)
Suggested Data Source: Signed permission to talk with other adult. Phone or in person identification of at least six behaviors from the DSM-IV items.

Criterion Five: Documentation on two rating scales of ADHD behaviors.
Suggested Data Source: Client Rating form; SCL-90 BSI Self-Rating Symptom, Checklist, and others.

Criterion Six: Schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, autism, or mental retardation are not the primary disability, nor are depression, anxiety, or substance abuse the primary cause of inattention.

There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social or academic functioning.

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