ADHD Policy and Protocol
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with sustained focus and concentration. The absence of proper treatment and intervention designed to help a person learn how to manage this disorder can result in chronic frustration, discouragement, and academic underachievement. William & Mary responds with a team of professionals whose number one goal is to help students diagnosed with ADHD avoid pitfalls that could impede successful academic progression. This system that is implemented by the support of SAS is intended to acknowledge the psychological, the neurological, as well as the behavioral aspects of the disorder.
Note that ADD (attention-deficit disorder) and ADHD are medically the same disorder, and both fall under the diagnosis of ADHD.
All William & Mary students seeking evaluation, treatment, and/or support for their ADHD diagnosis are advised as follows:
I. Medical treatment/medication monitoring by Student Health Center
Students who have been diagnosed with ADHD prior to coming to William & Mary (or diagnosed off-campus) who are requesting prescriptions to be written for ADHD medications will be referred to an off-campus psychiatrist for prescribing and management of Class II stimulant agents.
It would be helpful to provide psychiatric/psychological records to include all summaries of psychological testing batteries used to support the diagnosis. These records can be shared with the new provider in the Williamsburg area and eliminate the need for redundant testing. Documentation should clearly support the diagnosis of ADHD, and response to any treatment. The Student Health Center will be happy to assist the student in obtaining an appointment.
For those patients who are presenting for evaluation/treatment of previously undiagnosed ADHD, the Student Health Center physicians will meet with the patient and determine if the symptoms are supportive of the diagnosis. If so, all patients will be referred for psychological testing and if medication is recommended, a psychiatric referral will follow.
The Student Health Center does not prescribe Class II stimulant agents. Patients seeking these medications will be referred to an outside psychiatrist.
All patients receiving ongoing care for ADHD at the Student Health Center will be advised of the services offered by the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office, and encouraged to meet with the Director of SAS. The patient must agree to follow through on all study skills assessment/classes/follow-up as recommended by the Director and the Dean of Students Office.
II. Registration with Student Accessibility Services
The student must register as a student with a disability by providing documentation of ADHD to the SAS Office. A comprehensive psycho-educational or neuropsychological assessment is the traditional means of demonstrating the significant impact of ADHD upon academics.
The student then should schedule an appointment to discuss individual learning needs and to identify appropriate accommodations with SAS. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. As part of the registration process, students will be expected to sign a Release of Information Form giving consent to the sharing of information with the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, and the professional that has diagnosed ADHD.
III. Learning Assistance Assessment
Academic Wellbeing provides students with individual counseling on skill-enrichment topics including time management, organization, note taking techniques, test taking strategies, and more. In addition, a series of campus-wide workshops are offered throughout the year. Please call 757-221-1327 to obtain more information or to schedule an appointment.
Academic Wellbeing
IV. Counseling Center (optional, but strongly recommended)
Students may wish to address issues related to their ADHD diagnosis through counseling. The following individual and group counseling options are available:
- Adjustment issues/coping skills
- Possibility of co-existing conditions (e.g., depression)
- Anxiety/stress reduction workshops
- Behavior modification
- Personal success strategies
Call the Counseling Center at 221-3620 to schedule an appointment or inquire about other workshops that are being offered.
