You must disclose your documented diagnosis, and show that ADHD “substantially limits a major life activity” — in this case, your job. Formal requests for an accommodation must be made in writing, and the accommodation(s) you ask for shouldn't place an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business.
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.
Individuals with untreated ADHD have higher rates of unemployment and frequent job changes, and often are overlooked for higher-paying positions. "However, there are many successful, high-level workers with ADHD, including many professionals in law and medicine.
ADHD: a disabling condition
It is recognized as a disability under the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act.
There's nothing wrong with telling it to other people. It's just that once everybody knows about your condition, it can bring a bizarre mixture of reactions. While some take it positively and adjust accordingly to your situation, some would be dismissive about it.
Research shows employees with ADHD can be more curious, creative, imaginative, innovative, and inventive. They tend to be out-of-the-box thinkers, with an approach that can be highly prized in the workplace. Your ADHD symptoms can work for you, when you learn more about them and have proper treatment.
Is ADHD considered a disability? Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability.
ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage. People with ADHD have a unique perspective that others may find interesting and valuable.
One national survey showed that only half of adults with ADHD were able to hold down a full-time job, compared to 72% of adults without the disorder. When they were able to secure a job, they tended to earn less than their peers without it. Those job problems translate into nearly $77 billion in lost income each year.
Because of their strong need for stimulation, some adults with ADHD become easily bored at work, especially with detailed paperwork and routine tasks.
Don't Suggest They'll Outgrow It. People can have an ADHD diagnosis at any age. Some may get a diagnosis in their early childhood years, and some may not realize they may have this condition until they're in college. It's best to avoid telling someone they'll outgrow the condition, especially for a young child.
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms: Inattention–having difficulty paying attention. Hyperactivity–having too much energy or moving and talking too much. Impulsivity–acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control.
Individuals with ADHD often experience social difficulties, social rejection, and interpersonal relationship problems as a result of their inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Such negative interpersonal outcomes cause emotional pain and suffering.
ADHD may be covered by the NDIS if you meet the eligibility and disability requirements. In addition to general criteria such as age, you must be able to prove that you have a disability causing an impairment that: Is permanent or likely to be permanent.
Since you can treat and manage ADHD with medication and psychotherapy, the organisation doesn't list this disorder as a disability. Currently, the National Disability Insurance Scheme doesn't consider ADHD a permanent disability or impairment.
ADHD burnout is often something a little deeper. It refers to the cycle of overcommitting and overextending that leads to fatigue in people with ADHD. It involves taking on too many tasks and commitments, and then the subsequent exhaustion that happens when we're unable to fulfill all of our obligations.
People with ADHD will have at least two or three of the following challenges: difficulty staying on task, paying attention, daydreaming or tuning out, organizational issues, and hyper-focus, which causes us to lose track of time. ADHD-ers are often highly sensitive and empathic.
Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This is because ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.
Talking about our struggles is important because it helps to create an open and honest work environment. People feel more comfortable talking about their struggles when they know their work environment is supportive, too.
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.
ADHD, characterised by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD defined in the DSM-V as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder (APA, 2013). ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
The five gifts of ADHD include creativity, emotional sensitivity, exuberance, interpersonal empathy, and being nature-smart (The Gift of Adult ADD, 2008).