Is ADHD a Disability? Benefits & Accommodations

Is ADHD a Disability?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity symptoms that can substantially impact life.¹ The ADA and Section 504 consider ADHD a disability and require employers and public entities to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with ADHD in the workplace, schools, and other settings.

Both the ADA and Section 504 define a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. However, having ADHD does not determine a person’s abilities or potential for success. With proper support and accommodations, individuals with ADHD can thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Is ADHD a Developmental Disability?

The CDC classifies ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Sometimes (but not always), this term is used interchangeably with ADHD disability. Developmental disorders are an umbrella term for conditions that affect cognitive, language, behavioral, or physical development. The functional limitations of ADHD can impair typical childhood development and persist into adulthood.²

Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

ADHD does not directly affect particular academic skills or integration. Learning disabilities affect how someone reads, writes, learns language, or understands math. That said, ADHD symptoms generally do interfere with the ability to learn, but these effects do not warrant a learning disability diagnosis.

Is ADHD a Cognitive Disability?

Some people believe ADHD is a cognitive disability because symptoms can coincide with cognitive impairment. For example, people with ADHD may often experience executive dysfunction that impacts decision-making, integrating new information, and following through with specific tasks.

Is ADHD a Disability or a Mental Illness?

Depending on who you ask, experts may classify ADHD as a disability, mental illness, or both. For example, the DSM 5 lists ADHD as a classified mental illness, but those with the condition may feel disabled by their symptoms. With that, a mental illness may not inherently be a disability and vice versa.

ADHD Accommodations at School

Many children with ADHD struggle in traditional school settings, meaning they can benefit from reasonable accommodations to perform and adapt to the classroom. These accommodations can support their learning, concentration, social skills, and impulse control. The child, parents, teachers, and a qualified mental health professional often collaborate on deciding the optimal solutions.

Below are examples of accommodations for an ADHD disability at school:

• Additional time to complete assignments
• Positive reinforcement
• Allowing for technology to support tasks
• Additional support for staying organized
• Providing time and space to move around
• Specific assignments tailored to the child’s preferred learning style

How to Get ADHD Accommodations at School

A child must first be diagnosed with ADHD to receive accommodations at school. Guardians may then request an ADA evaluation for eligibility under Section 504, after which a team of professionals will determine whether the child is eligible for accommodations.

Applying for ADHD accommodations at school involves:

• Obtaining a letter: Parents must see a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician or a psychiatrist, when seeking accommodations for their child. The letter documents the diagnosis of ADHD, describes the functional limitations caused by the condition, and explains how the requested accommodations would address these limitations.
• Getting a neuropsychological evaluation: A licensed neuropsychologist conducts a neuropsychological evaluation to evaluate cognitive and behavioral functioning. This evaluation typically involves the use of standardized tests (i.e., the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BADDS), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)) to assess various aspects of cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, language, and executive function.³
• Engaging in the ADA process: Parents, educators, and healthcare providers collaborate to determine if they can make reasonable accommodations by identifying the child’s needs, discussing potential options, and discussing how to implement them successfully.

ADHD Accommodations at Work

Under the ADA, adults with ADHD are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments that allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job. Employers must provide the accommodations as long as they do not impose an undue hardship (i.e., accommodations that are too difficult or expensive for the employer to provide).

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with ADHD may include flexible work schedules, time management assistance, job coaching, the use of assistive technology, and physical workplace accommodations. However, accommodations deemed unreasonable or excessive, such as unlimited time off or a personal assistant, may not be granted.

Reasonable work accommodations for individuals with ADHD include:

• Flexible work hours or a modified work schedule
• An office setting with the least possible distractions
• Breaks during the workday
• Noise-canceling headphones or a private workspace

Accommodations in a Company With Less than 15 People

The ADA does not require companies with fewer than fifteen employees to accommodate employees with disabilities, including those with ADHD. However, individuals with ADHD may still be eligible for accommodations through Section 504 or state laws. Those in this situation should seek legal advice or advocacy services to determine their rights and options for accommodations.

Should I Disclose My ADHD Diagnosis to My Boss?

Ultimately, the decision to share an ADHD diagnosis with your boss is yours. Disclosing your ADHD can help ensure you receive accommodations when needed. However, you are also entitled to your medical privacy, and you might feel uncomfortable sharing such personal information at work.

What If My Boss Refuses Accommodations for ADHD?

The first step is to focus on resolving the issue if an employer refuses disability accommodations for ADHD. This process may involve engaging in the ADA interactive process and providing additional documentation to support a request. If this does not work, the individual can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the appropriate state agency.

The EEOC will investigate the complaint and may attempt to mediate a resolution between the individual and their employer. If mediation is unsuccessful, the EEOC may file a lawsuit on behalf of the individual or issue a “right to sue” letter allowing the individual to file a lawsuit on their own.⁴ Going to court is generally a last resort but may be necessary if other options have been exhausted or the individual feels their employer has violated their rights.

How to Apply for ADHD Disability Benefits

You may wonder, “Can you get disability for ADHD?” Seeking disability for ADHD requires filing a claim online or via the mail. Each state has different requirements for initiating this claim process. Remember, you will need a working diagnosis with evidence that symptoms impact your work performance.

Does a Child With ADHD Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Some parents are interested in seeking disability for a child with ADHD. Minors who meet the disability and income requirements may be eligible for benefits. Families above the income threshold will not qualify. However, approved children may receive specific cash payments based on family income, Medicaid healthcare services, and special needs referrals.

Getting an ADHD Diagnosis

The typical process of getting diagnosed with ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider via a clinical interview, self-report measures, and behavioral observations. Criteria for an ADHD diagnosis require symptoms to be present for at least six months, with evidence of significant impairment in at least two settings.⁵

Six of the following symptoms must be present to receive an ADHD diagnosis:⁶

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks
• Difficulty with organization and planning
• Poor time management
• Forgetfulness
• Avoidance or procrastination of tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Talking excessively or interrupting others
• Difficulty waiting for one’s turn
• Acting without thinking about the consequences

History of Disabilities Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive federal law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Signed into law in 1990, the ADA ensures people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in employment, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, and state and local government programs and services.⁷

Additionally, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) provides similar protections for individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs, including schools. These laws aim to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities without discrimination due to their neurodiversity.⁷

When to Seek Professional Support

Individuals with ADHD should seek professional help if their symptoms significantly affect their daily functioning. Finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can be helpful for individuals who want to develop coping strategies and address emotional difficulties associated with ADHD. Online therapist directories and online therapy platforms can be good options for finding a therapist, as they often allow individuals to search for therapists based on specific criteria.

If medication management is also necessary, individuals may consider seeing a psychiatrist, and online psychiatry options are available for those who prefer at-home care. Carefully research and consider any online therapy or psychiatry platform to ensure they meet appropriate standards and regulations.