What documentation is needed for college ADHD accommodations?

PostedSeptember 28, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 28, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

To access support in higher education, students must provide formal ADHD documentation for college. Unlike high school, where support may be arranged through an IEP or 504 Plan, universities require updated and comprehensive proof of disability. This documentation forms the basis of the accommodation process and helps institutions determine what support is appropriate.

Knowing what qualifies as valid documentation is key to avoiding delays or denials. Colleges typically require more detailed evidence than schools, focusing on current impact rather than past educational plans.

Key Requirements for College Accommodation Approval

Here’s what qualifies as valid disability proof and satisfies evaluation requirements in most universities:

Recent psychological or medical evaluation

Documentation should come from a licensed professional (e.g. psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist) and clearly state the ADHD diagnosis. Most schools prefer assessments completed within the last 3 to 5 years.

Functional impact on academics

The report must describe how ADHD limits learning or daily functioning in a college setting. This may include attention, organisation, memory, or emotional regulation.

Specific recommendations for accommodations

The evaluation should link symptoms to the requested accommodations. For example, explaining how attention difficulties justify extended test time.

Standardised test results or clinical notes

Some institutions request data from ADHD rating scales or cognitive tests to support the diagnosis.

While a previous IEP or 504 Plan can be included as supporting evidence, it is not usually enough on its own. Having the right paperwork is the first step to unlocking support for ADHD documentation for college and success at university.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Classroom accommodations for ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.