ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 20 Australians, which has an impact on their ability to have age-appropriate self-control, according to ADHD Australia.
ADHD: a disabling condition
It is recognized as a disability under the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act.
However, ADHD falls under the category “Other Health Impaired” and not under “Specific Learning Disabilities.” Individuals with ADHD can also qualify for accommodations under the ADA and Section 504 if their ADHD impacts a major life function such as learning.
ADHD is considered a developmental disability, not a learning disability. Accommodations can often be made in the classroom or work environment to help people with ADHD be more successful. Therapy and medications are also helpful for managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to control their behavior and pay attention to tasks.
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.
Is ADHD covered under the NDIS? In itself, no. ADHD can be effectively treated with medication and is therefore seen to be ineligible for further NDIS-funded supports. However, ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders and persons with comorbid ADHD are more likely to qualify for NDIS supports.
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.
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.
ADHD is recognised as a condition which qualifies for disability benefits and funding.
Adults with ADHD can qualify for disability benefits but only in cases where they can prove that their ADHD prevents them from performing substantial gainful work activity. This can be difficult for adults with ADHD to prove.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD, he or she can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits if the severity of the child's ADHD meets the Social Security Administration's childhood impairment listing for neurodevelopmental disorders (listing 112.11).
They must prove that there is a reason why any condition would make someone higher risk. There are benefits available which you may qualify for, however a diagnosis of ADHD by itself does not automatically entitle you to receive them.
Finally, we know that ADHD affects the Executive Functioning processes in the brain responsible for judgment, planning, and goal setting. Therefore; a child with ADHD qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, as being “markedly restricted” in at least one of the areas of Basic Activities of Daily Life; mental functions.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Full Disclosure
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.
To demonstrate that your child struggles in these areas, you need to gather documentation and evidence from mental health professionals and teachers. Common forms of evidence include psychological treatment notes, medical records, classroom evaluations, and test scores.
"Disclosing the challenges of your ADHD may help employers and team members to better understand your challenges, how you work best, and how to work in harmony with you," says Linda Walker, a professionally certified ADHD coach.
You could be entitled to $3,345 per month! Free Disability Evaluation: STEP 1.
However, ADHD medications contain stimulants. These can cause some people to drive too fast, take unnecessary risks and otherwise drive unsafely – particularly if they've taken more than the prescribed amount or mixed their ADHD meds with another drug (even an over-the-counter one) or alcohol.
Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
When ADHD inattention, impulsivity, and distractibility get behind the wheel, serious risk of accidents and injury skyrocket. Within the first month of driving, teens with ADHD are 62% more likely than their non-ADHD peers to be involved in an automobile crash.
Disability is considered to be a protected class, and adult ADHD is classified as a medical disability (or, more commonly, a learning disability). As such, if an employer fails to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to an employee who has adult ADHD, it could be considered workplace discrimination.