Is ADHD A Disability? Here’s What Experts Say 2024
Updated on
- Written by Emma Loker, Psychology Major, Trainee Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental disabilities today, affecting an estimated 2.5% of adults[1] and 5.29% of children.[1] ADHD can significantly impact various aspects of an individual’s everyday life, such as academic and professional performance,[2] interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and sensitivity to criticism.[3] But with growing awareness about ADHD in recent years, an important question arises: Is ADHD a disability?
Understanding whether ADHD is considered a disability is crucial, as it determines an individual’s eligibility for support, accommodations, and legal protections under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
This article addresses the symptoms of ADHD, whether ADHD is a disability under the law, what legal rights, accommodations, and benefits are available to individuals with ADHD, and strategies for managing ADHD.
Is ADHD Considered A Disability?
Is ADHD a disability? Yes, ADHD can be considered a disability.
- Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, ADHD is a protected disability based on certain conditions.
- ADHD’s disability status means individuals with ADHD could be entitled to accommodations and benefits, such as extended test time, social security benefits, modified work schedules, and assistive technology.
- ADHD becomes a disability when it significantly impacts daily life and limits one or more major life activities.
- Understanding the criteria and classification of ADHD as a disability is crucial for those affected to access the necessary resources and assistance they require.
Common ADHD Symptoms
ADHD comes with several symptoms[4] affecting both children and adults, causing significant disruptions in their everyday lives. The most common ADHD symptoms can be grouped into three broad categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Inattention
Individuals suffering from ADHD often struggle to maintain focus and concentration, resulting in:
- Forgetfulness: Struggling to remember important information or ordinary tasks.
- Difficulty focusing: Struggling to maintain focus on tasks or activities.
- Frequent daydreaming: Regularly drifting off into thoughts unrelated to the matter at hand.
- Difficulty organizing: Struggling to plan and arrange tasks or activities effectively.
- Little attention to detail: Overlooking important details due to lack of focus.
- Difficulty prioritizing: Struggling with managing time and prioritizing tasks.
Leading experts in ADHD consider inattention is a core symptom of ADHD[5] and often leads to difficulties with executive functioning, which includes prioritizing, time management, and organization.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is another hallmark symptom of ADHD, characterized by excessive movement and extreme restlessness. Hyperactivity can manifest itself in many ways, such as:
- Excessive movement: Moving around constantly, unable to sit still.
- Constant fidgeting: Engaging in repetitive, aimless movements or behaviors.
- Difficulty staying seated: Inability to remain seated when expected, such as in class or at work.
In children, hyperactivity can make sitting still in a classroom difficult, leading to disruptions and potential conflicts with teachers and peers. The National Institute of Mental Health[6] emphasizes that hyperactivity is often one of the most noticeable ADHD symptoms and can significantly interfere with school performance and social relationships.
Impulsivity
Impulsive behavior in individuals with ADHD can lead to hasty decision-making and difficulty in social situations. Impulsivity can manifest in several ways, such as:
- Impulsive behavior: Acting without thinking, often in social situations.
- Hasty decision-making: Making decisions without considering potential consequences.
- Interrupting others: Speaking out of turn or cutting others off in conversation.
- Difficulty waiting for their turn: Struggling to be patient in social or structured situations.
Impulsivity can also lead to challenges in financial decision-making, as individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulse control when it comes to spending money. This can result in financial instability and difficulties in maintaining a budget. Impulsivity is a common struggle for those with ADHD and can impact various areas of life,[7] including financial management, relationships, and decision-making.
When Is ADHD A Disability?
So, when is ADHD a learning disability? And is ADHD a disorder or a disability? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, ADHD is considered a disability. However, specific stipulations determine when ADHD should be considered a protected disability.
Criteria For ADHD As A Disability
ADHD becomes a protected disability when it significantly impairs a person’s ability to function effectively in everyday life and participate in society. Factors to consider include:
- Age-appropriate social functioning: The ability to interact and communicate effectively with peers.
- Age-appropriate personal functioning: The ability to manage daily tasks, such as grooming and dressing.
- Performance at work or school: The ability to meet expectations in academic or professional settings.
- Childhood diagnosis: Individuals must have been diagnosed with ADHD since childhood.
- Severe functional impairment: The ability to participate in schoolwork or maintain a job must be significantly hindered by the ADHD diagnosis.
- Documented symptoms: The individual must have documentation from medical professionals of an ADHD diagnosis, including inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
- Impact of ADHD on functioning: The person must have documentation that at least two of the following conditions were a direct result of ADHD:[8] problems with communicating, functioning in social settings, or functioning in personal life relative to people of the same age.
ADHD is also recognized as a developmental disability in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 manual.[9]
But, you may be wondering — when is ADHD considered a disability, and when is it not?
ADHD Legal Rights And Accommodations
Under federal law, ADHD is recognized as a disability, providing legal protections for individuals with the condition. Key legislation includes the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.[10] These laws ensure that individuals with ADHD receive accommodations and support.
Workplace accommodations may include flexible work schedules, quiet workspaces, or extra time for tasks. In schools, students with ADHD may receive additional time for tests, modified assignments, or access to specialized support services.
ADHD Disability Benefits And How To Apply
Individuals suffering from severe ADHD may be eligible for disability benefits,[11] such as Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. Support services and benefits can include financial assistance,[12] healthcare coverage, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Eligibility and access to disability benefits and support will depend on the severity of the individual’s symptoms and their specific needs. The social security administration office reviews the application and decides your qualifying condition based on the severity of the ADHD and its impact on the applicant’s ability to perform a substantial gainful activity.
Do note that not all individuals with ADHD will qualify[13] to receive benefits. The SSA evaluates each case individually, considering the severity of symptoms, the impact on daily functioning, and the effectiveness of treatment interventions.
How To Manage ADHD
In addition to legal protections and accommodations, various ADHD treatments are available to help patients manage their symptoms. Below are the following treatment strategies for ADHD:
- Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve focus and attention.
- Behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy[14] and other forms of therapy can help individuals develop effective coping strategies and improve their executive functioning.
- Support groups: Connecting with others with similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice for managing ADHD.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet[15] rich in nutrients, and consistent sleep habits can help improve ADHD symptoms and overall well-being.
Depending on whether ADHD is severe or mild, and if treatment is for a child’s ADHD or an adult’s, there can be several strategies to manage ADHD. While some may be more effective than others, a combination of them may often be the most effective.
Additional strategies to manage ADHD may include:
- Psychoeducation: Understanding the nature of ADHD, its hallmark symptoms, and its impact on daily life can help individuals develop coping strategies and reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment.
- Social skills training: This can help children and adults with ADHD navigate social situations more effectively, improving relationships and reducing social isolation.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help reduce stress, improve focus, and manage impulsivity.
- Parent training and support: For families of children with ADHD, parent training can provide essential tools and techniques to help manage their child’s symptoms and support their development.
- Therapy: You may be wondering — is ADHD a mental disability? You’re not the only person in history to ask, “Is ADHD a disability or mental illness?” ADHD is not considered a mental illness. While therapy — including online therapy — may not reduce someone’s hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, it may have a positive effect on the person’s mental health[16] if they have comorbid mood disorders and mental health conditions.
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disability affecting focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity management. Opinions on whether it’s a learning, developmental, or mental disability differ.
Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act confirm ADHD as a disability under certain conditions. This classification qualifies individuals for reasonable accommodation and support in schools and workplaces, helping those affected by ADHD access necessary resources and manage their symptoms effectively through medication, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
+ 16 sources
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