Psychological Assessments

Formal diagnostic assessment of concerns affecting cognition and academic performance, as identified by CAPS providers or other campus partners, is available for students who have at least one semester of enrollment at VU remaining. These include but are not limited to assessments for ADHD and learning differences. Autism evaluation is offered only in specific circumstances for students experiencing significant limitations in clinical, academic or other areas of functioning.

Assessment Details

What can I expect from an assessment?

CAPS clinicians diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, and learning disorder) using evidence-based protocols and following DSM5 criteria. Having symptoms or traits of these disorders does not necessarily mean that the person’s presentation will meet the diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis. While a diagnosis is not required for a person to identify as neurodivergent, a formal diagnosis is needed to access certain treatments (e.g., stimulant medication) and accommodations.
What kind of information is collected?

For adults, a proper ADHD diagnosis typically requires several steps: an interview with the individual, symptom rating scales (of ADHD and other conditions) completed by the individual and by an informant (peer, partner, or friend as well as parent/guardian) who is familiar with the individual’s current and/or childhood behavior and symptom presentation. In some cases, review of early school records and/or conversations with other people in the individual’s life will be needed.
Will I be able get academic accommodations?

While the documentation from CAPS diagnostic evaluations is sufficient for requesting accommodations at Vanderbilt, CAPS documentation may or may not be sufficient to secure accommodations on standardized testing outside Vanderbilt (e.g., GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT or state/national licensing examinations). Because outside agencies often require a test battery that is significantly more comprehensive than is required for diagnosis, CAPS is unable to provide this level of evaluation and documentation.
To request academic accommodations at Vanderbilt, contact Student Access.
How do I get a referral for an assessment at the UCC?

For students with an established CAPS provider, please discuss a referral with your provider. If you would prefer to work with a community provider who does psychological assessments and is familiar with CAPS documentation requirements, please contact Student Care Coordination for assistance with a referral.
Students may self-refer for assessment services or may be referred by CAPS or another Student Care Network provider. Students who wish to self-refer must first contact Student Care Coordination to facilitate the referral.
Are there other supports available to address ADHD/Executive Functioning concerns?

CAPS offers group therapy and workshops, and individual counseling to address issues related to executive functioning, learning, and attention problems as well as ongoing medication management of ADHD for students with a diagnosis confirmed by previous psychological evaluation report.