It is against the law for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant because of disability. If a pre-employment form asks for information about disability or illness, you have no legal obligation to disclose and can write 'not applicable' for any disability that will not impact on your work performance.
Should I share that I have ADHD? Whether or not to disclose ADHD to an employer is a personal decision. Unfortunately, due to lingering stigma about mental health conditions, some employers may respond poorly or assume that ADHD will render the employee unable to succeed in their current role.
One thing you should know: An ADHD diagnosis alone, does not entitle an employee to services and/or accommodations. You must disclose your documented diagnosis, and show that ADHD "substantially limits a major life activity" — in this case, your job.
ADHD Assessment & Treatment Centres
To legally protect the rights of people with ADHD in Australia, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), a person's ADHD must be classed as a disability according to the criteria as specified in the DDA. DDA disability definition criteria relevant to people with ADHD: 1.
Whether you tell your employer about your illness is a personal decision. There is no law that says you have to share your diagnosis with anyone. If you do tell your employer, you have the right to privacy. They are not allowed to share the information with anyone else without your consent.
For example, it may be against the law to ask job applicants whether they have ever made a workers' compensation claim, how much sick leave they have taken or other questions about health conditions that do not relate to their ability to do the job.
Your medical records are confidential and an employer's request for more information is generally only considered reasonable when it is required to determine, for example from a health and safety perspective, whether you are fit to return to work or to moderated duties.
Australia's immigration health requirement prevents any prospective migrant with an illness, disease or intellectual or physical disability from obtaining a visa if it is deemed their condition will be too costly or put the general public at risk.
ADHD is diagnosed by the observation of behavioural symptoms. If you're concerned about your child's behaviour, your GP is a good place to start. Your GP might refer your child to a paediatrician, a psychologist or a child psychiatrist for a diagnosis of ADHD (or other condition).
Disability Specific Adjustments: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder1. According to ADHD Australia over 1 million people in Australia have ADHD1.
There's no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include: a physical examination, which can help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. a series of interviews with you or your child.
However, an employee must reveal their ADHD to be covered by the ADA. Several courts have already ruled that, in these situations, lack of knowledge of the condition or of how the disability may affect the employee may be used as a legitimate defense for the employer.
Timing: You are not obligated to disclose your diagnosis during any part of the hiring process, including when you are applying for a job or during an interview. Knowledge: You may want to keep the disclose private to your manager, or you may want to also tell your co-workers.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must currently have several symptoms which must have started before the age of 12, and difficulties must be present in two or more settings (such as at home and at work). Symptoms that arise later in life are unlikely to be ADHD and should be assessed immediately.
If you have ADHD and want to join the military, let your recruiter know early in the process, and ask them what steps you will need to take in order to enlist.
Although services can accept applicant waivers with less stringent restrictions (e.g., the Air Force will consider waivers for recruits stable off medications for 15 months), ADHD diagnosis is consistently a common disqualifier for military service.
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with the prevalence in Australia estimated to be between 6% and 10%. (International 5-8%). This summary is best read in combination with other articles we have previously covered for a comprehensive overview of ADHD.
Some psychologists can diagnose ADHD; however, initial medication is only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a paediatrician in Australia when medication has stabilised; in some circumstances, ongoing management conducted by another medical practitioner.
These include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from independent sources such as the spouse or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists, standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing as deemed necessary by the clinician.
Travelling to Australia with medicines and medical devices. The traveller's exemption allows people entering Australia to bring with them for their own personal use or the use by an immediate family member who is travelling with them: carry 3 months' worth of medicine. any medical devices.
Em Rusciano
Following Australian Idol, Em moved into breakfast radio and then on to live comedy. Now, she is a published author, podcast host and a regular host on Channel Ten's 'The Project'. Em was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 42.
Although ADHD symptoms can present some challenges when it comes to maintaining a steady job, there's no reason why you can't find success with employment. In fact, working can be highly beneficial for your life by: Increasing your financial freedom. Giving you a sense of purpose.
HR employees aren't doctors or priests, and you shouldn't assume confidentiality when you're talking to them. If they hear something that they judge needs to be shared, they're professionally obligated to do that. In fact, with reports of harassment or discrimination, they're legally obligated to act.
Medical records are private and confidential, and can only be viewed by health professionals when necessary for their work. Australian privacy standards establish a general rule that organisations are required to provide you with access to personal information (such as medical records) held about you.
It must be remembered that no previous employer is required to give a reference. If you cannot give a reasonably positive account of another's work performance, it might be best to decline. Be particularly careful not to give a blatantly personal scathing report to any prospective employer.