<p>My son is going to be taking the SAT for the first time either in Spring or Fall 08. He has ADD and though he has done very well on practice tests taken at home, he has trouble with time running out. I have heard that it is difficult to get accommodation even for documented special needs with the SAT. Is this true? Has anyone here been able to get additional time for attention deficit? Does it matter if he is a younger kid who would be taking the SAT through talent search? </p>
<p>thanks for your help! </p>
<p>RL</p>
<p>My friend applied. He made the mistake of taking the PSAT and doing pretty well on it (high 170s), but not as well as he could (he did get time x 1.5 and did significantly better - high 2100s.)</p>
<p>It was 8 months of applications and rejections though...I'd apply immediately. My friend required quite a bit of documentation for his ADHD- but, once the proper tests were done, he got the time...</p>
<p>Thanks, Coopjust. That was helpful. Do you know what sort of documentation is required? We have a few lines on a psychologist's report and we could photocopy his prescription, I suppose. Or maybe we need a letter from the medical doctor who is treating him for this?</p>
<p>When D began high school (now a college freshman) she was able to use the extensive psycho-educational test results from 6th grade because they were (barely) less than 3 years old. The testing identified dysgraphia and a processing deficit as well as the ADHD we knew about. You'll need to find a good psychologist, preferably an educational psychologist, to get good documentation. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny. For D it was well worth it not only on the SATI but on the SATII and APs also, as the accommodations (extra time, use of computer) applied to all, for all four years. </p>
<p>PS She didn't have extra time on her talent search tests in 7th and 8th grade; she did well enough to qualify, but I suspect extra time would have helped then, too. She especially needed the extra time on the writing section of the SAT, which wasn't in place back then.</p>
<p>You need an educational psychologist to perform proper tests. The doctors note and prescription won't work nowadays; too many doctors will write the notes for kids who don't deserve accommodations, and there are even some unscrupulous doctors who prescribe ADHD meds (e.x. Adderall) like candy.</p>
<p>You need an educational psychologist to make an eval, or so my friend told me. Here</a> are the guidelines for SAT accommodations for ADHD.</p>