Is ADHD a disability or difficulty?

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.


Why is ADHD not considered a disability?

An ADHD diagnosis, in and of itself, is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. As a child, you must have had measurable functional impairments (which show up as recurring poor performance in school) and as an adult, you must have measurable functional impairments that keep you from working.

Is ADHD a mental disorder or a disability?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disability condition that is characterized by excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those with ADHD may also have problems focusing on particular tasks or exhibit high inattention levels as well.


What category of disability is ADHD?

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.

Should I list my ADHD as a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA includes ADHD as a recognized disability. For an employee who has ADHD, the act can require the employer to provide reasonable accommodations, as long as it doesn't create undue hardship for the business.


ADHD and Learning Disabilities



How does ADHD limit your ability to work?

"People with untreated ADHD face a number of issues in the workplace. They may include interpersonal conflict, tardiness, high absenteeism, high error rate, inability to change and lack of dependability. Consequences for these behaviors could include reprimands, suspensions, demotions, loss of pay and termination.

Are people with ADHD mentally challenged?

Although ADHD falls into the defined category of mental illness, it's most often referred to as a disorder, even by the American Psychiatric Association. As these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in clinical settings, ADHD can be described as a mental illness and a disorder.

When is ADHD considered severe?

Moderate: Symptoms or functional impairment between “mild” and “severe” are present. Severe: Many symptoms are present beyond the number needed to make a diagnosis; several symptoms are particularly severe; or symptoms result in marked impairment in social, school or work settings.


What are the benefits of ADHD?

People living with ADHD may have a variety of skills and abilities beyond those of their neurotypical counterparts. These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy.

Can you get disability for ADHD and anxiety?

If you or a loved one with ADHD meets the triggers as listed by the SSA's impairments under neurological conditions for ADHD or other disorders, you may qualify for SSDI. The SSA updated its listing for anxiety disorders under neurological disorders to include other disorders such as OCD.

Is ADHD a mild disability?

It's a chronic neuropsychiatric condition that's marked by problems focusing, holding attention, impulsivity or hyperactivity, and sometimes behavior issues related to the hyperactivity and impulsivity. For some, ADHD symptoms can be mild or even undetectable, for others, they may be debilitating.


What are the weaknesses of ADHD?

Inattention
  • Does not seem to listen.
  • Avoids doing things that require sustained mental effort.
  • Loses or misplaces important things.
  • Forgets to turn in work, even though it is completed.
  • Rushes through things, makes careless errors.
  • Doesn't complete work or turns things in incomplete.
  • Easily distracted.


Do people with ADHD have more energy?

There's been a lot of focus on the harmful symptoms of ADHD. Although there's less research on ADHD superpowers, people with ADHD report that they are more energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient than people without the condition.

What is ADHD personality?

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.


What is living with ADHD like?

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.

Are you born with ADHD?

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.

What are the 3 main symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.


What mental illnesses are linked to ADHD?

ADHD often occurs with other disorders. Many children with ADHD have other disorders as well as ADHD, such as behavior or conduct problems, learning disorders, anxiety and depression1,2.

What jobs can't you do with ADHD?

Fast-paced job environments are a great fit for those living with ADHD because there is often a focus on being flexible and engaged in many different tasks.
...
Fast-paced jobs that may be a good fit if you have ADHD:
  • emergency responder (firefighter, EMT)
  • retail worker.
  • service employee.
  • journalist.
  • teacher.
  • athlete.


Why is it hard to keep a job with ADHD?

People with ADHD face a number of issues in the workplace. They may include interpersonal conflict, tardiness, high absenteeism, high error rate, inability to change and lack of dependability. Consequences for these behaviors could include reprimands, suspensions, demotions, loss of pay, and termination.


What challenges do people with ADHD face?

If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with:
  • Anxiety.
  • Chronic boredom.
  • Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.
  • Depression.
  • Trouble concentrating when reading.
  • Trouble controlling anger.
  • Problems at work.
  • Impulsiveness.


What happens when someone with ADHD is tired?

It can even develop into a medical condition known as chronic fatigue. For someone with ADHD, who has issues with concentration to begin with, regular fatigue just makes things all the worse. Ultimately, having ADHD and fatigue can act as a one-two punch knocking you out for days and weeks at a time.

What happens when someone with ADHD gets tired?

Adults with ADHD rarely fall asleep easily, sleep soundly through the night, and then wake up feeling refreshed. More often, ADHD's mental and physical restlessness disturbs a person's sleep patterns — and the ensuing exhaustion hurts overall health and treatment. This is widely accepted as true.


Are people with ADHD often tired?

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with ADHD — and one of the least talked about.

What can cause ADHD to get worse?

11 Things That Make Adult ADHD Worse
  • Lack of Exercise. 1/11. If your memory is hazy, your ADHD may be to blame. ...
  • Eating Out Often. 2/11. ...
  • Too Much Junk Food. 3/11. ...
  • Skipping Breakfast. 4/11. ...
  • Messy Homes and Offices. 5/11. ...
  • Too Much Stuff. 6/11. ...
  • The Wrong Meds. 7/11. ...
  • Lack of Sleep. 8/11.