She Strengthens

Understanding ADHD: A Guide to Its Classification, Impact, and Accommodations

Are you wondering if ADHD is a disability? This comprehensive guide explores how ADHD is classified under U.S. laws, its impact on daily life, and what accommodations you might be entitled to at work.

What Is ADHD, and Is It a Disability?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make focusing and paying attention a daily challenge. But whether your condition is mild or debilitating, you may wonder if having ADHD is considered a disability, and if there are ways your workplace can help better accommodate you.

The Legal Classification of ADHD

In the U.S., ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with some stipulations. If ADHD limits your ability to work or participate in society, it’s considered a protected disability. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also considers ADHD to be a neurodevelopmental disability.

Is ADHD a Mental Disability?

While ADHD is often considered a disability, it’s not frequently referred to as a mental disability. However, if ADHD impacts day-to-day life, it may be considered a mental disability. The American Psychiatric Association defines ADHD as a disorder rather than an illness or disability, but it meets most of the criteria to be considered a mental illness.

Why Is ADHD Considered a Disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the public sector and ensures equal opportunities and protections for all. Under the ADA, ADHD is considered a disability if it severely interferes with your ability to work or participate in society.

Is ADHD a Developmental Disability?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD is considered one of the common developmental disorders or disabilities among children, impacting neurodevelopment. Developmental disabilities may affect learning, language, or behavior.

Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

ADHD isn’t considered a learning disability, but up to 50% of children with ADHD may have a coexisting learning disability. Learning disabilities are a subtype of developmental disabilities, affecting understanding written or spoken words, performing calculations, and other tasks.

Workplace Accommodations for ADHD

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), companies with more than 15 employees must make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. This law may apply to people with ADHD in some cases. If your employer refuses to make accommodations, consider documenting interactions and consulting an employment attorney.

Disability Benefits for ADHD

Technically, you can get disability benefits in the U.S. if you have ADHD, but there are strict rules about which people with ADHD qualify. To apply for social security disability (SSDI) for ADHD, you must have been diagnosed since childhood, prove that your ability to participate in work or school is severely hindered, and provide documentation from a medical professional.

Living and Working with ADHD

ADHD treatment options vary widely for children and adults. They can include therapy, meditation, enlisting a work or life coach, prescription meds, natural remedies, and essential oils. It’s essential to find the right combination of treatments and tools that work for you.

The Takeaway

ADHD is considered a disability by many associations and governing bodies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If ADHD limits your ability to work or partake in society, it’s considered a protected disability. The CDC considers ADHD to be a neurodevelopmental disability. It’s not considered a learning disability, but may coexist with one. Your employer may be legally obliged to accommodate your ADHD, and in extreme cases, you may be able to get disability benefits.