Yes, ADHD is a disability. Attention- Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neuro-cognitive disorder that according to the ADA qualifies as a disability under specific measures. ADHD is a highly genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a person's ability to:
• Focus
• Initiate tasks
• Manage time
• Have proper working memory
• Regulate emotions
• Manage impulse control
There is no question that ADHD can negatively affect a person's ability to function at the same capacity as a neuro-typical peer, but when is ADHD considered a disability? According to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), ADHD is considered a developmental disability, therefore legal accommodations are based on the severity of which the ADHD negatively affects a person's ability to function.
The ADA provides guidelines on when a person qualifies for protection and assistance under law. These guidelines include measuring the impact at which a person's ADHD impairs their ability to:
• Learn
• Concentrate
• Think
• Communicate
• Work
Keep reading to learn more on ADHD, what type of disability it is, what accommodations you may be entitled too, and more!
Yes, ADHD is legally recognized as a disability and some individuals may qualify to receive assistance under the law when substantial limitations of these factors can be proven, and the following steps have been taken:
• Official Diagnosis provided by a qualified professional: A diagnosis from a psychiatrist, psychologist or other medical professional is required. Typically, a full neuropsychological evaluation is encouraged.
• Challenges are documented: documented impairment in functioning at school or work.
• Assistance is requested: The individual must request and advocate for reasonable accommodation from school or work that allow them to perform essential functions.
If all requirements above are met, and a person's level of impairment as a result of ADHD qualifies as a disability, legal protection under ADA requires employers, public entities, and schools to provide reasonable accommodations. Individuals are also protected against discrimination in hiring and receiving equitable education.
ADHD is commonly associated with its effect on a person’s ability to learn because the symptoms are typically most visible in a school setting, often leading to diagnosis while in school.
This strong correlation between ADHD and education, along with easily observed symptoms in school settings (e.g., distractibility, trouble focusing, being overly talkative), often lead people to believe that ADHD is a learning disability when in fact, it is not. To qualify as a learning disability and receive ADHD disability benefits, a diagnosis must meet specific criteria:
• Specific disorders that impair a person's ability to have or use specific academic skills such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia).
• The dysfunction is directly tied to processing deficits in areas like reasoning, memory, and language.
While ADHD does affect academic performance it does not necessarily directly affect a person's ability to acquire academic skills. ADHD does negatively affect the brain’s processes that support a person's ability to learn academic skills, such as attention, time management, organization, and focus.
Commonly, people with ADHD have one or more co-occurring learning disabilities, making differentiating the cause for the deficit challenging and the observable symptoms more severe. For example, if someone has both ADHD and dyslexia, they may struggle with decoding words and sustaining attention to do so.
Although ADHD is not a learning disability, the ADA works alongside intersecting laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , and The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which both provide education services and accommodations for those with ADHD.
Most school accommodations for ADHD (ADHD disability benefits) under these laws include:
• Extended time: Additional time on tests, quizzes and assignments.
• Instructional support: Clear instructions, visual aids, frequent check-ins from teachers or supporting staff.
• Environmental supports: Preferential seating and access to a private work space.
• Behavioral and emotional support: Positive reinforcement, movement breaks, access to fidget tools and sensory supports.
• Assistive technology: Ability to record class lectures for easy review, text-to-speech software, and organizational apps to assist in organizing tasks and time management.
• Support Staff: Access to counseling services and resource rooms for additional learning and emotional support.
To receive assistance and accommodation at school for ADHD, the following steps need to be taken:
1. Receive a formal diagnosis: Receive a formal diagnosis from a qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist/neuropsychologist.
2. Undergo a comprehensive evaluation including: a detailed history of symptoms and their impact, interviews from parents and/or teachers, completed standardized cognitive testing, and professional observations of the behavior in various settings.
3. Demonstrated and documented impact on education: trouble focusing, inability to complete tasks, difficulty following instruction, behavioral issues, and/or academic records highlighting a decline in performance.
4. In the case of children/adolescents, request an evaluation from the school: a parent or guardian must submit a formal written request to the school for an evaluation and accommodation plan.
5. If currently enrolled in school, undergo a school evaluation: Once the above steps have been taken, and the school supports moving forward, the school will complete their own evaluation. The in-school evaluation often includes multiple observations of the student in a class setting, input from teachers, review of academic records, and psychological/behavioral assessments completed by school social workers or school psychologists.
Once these steps are completed, and the evaluations are finalized, a school professional or special education team will do a comprehensive assessment of all the information collected and determine if the student meets eligibility for a Section 504 plan or IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
If eligible, the school and support staff in collaboration with the parent or guardian of the student will create an individualized plan to accommodate the student's needs.
ADHD affects approximately 6% of Americans, yet we still lack a deeper understanding of its nature and effective treatment. This lack of research and public awareness leads to:
• Misconceptions
• Stigma
• Over and under diagnosis
• Confusion and Isolation of those diagnosed
• Historical delay in research: The first observations of ADHD-like symptoms were observed and researched by several authors in the mid 1700’s, but ADHD was not officially recognized as a disorder in the United States until 1987. This large delay in historical understanding leaves us with only emerging research on it’s true effects and treatment options.
• Mental health stigma: societal stigma surrounding the disorder historically hindered funding and research on the disorder.
• Complexity of the disorder: ADHD, like autism and many other disorders, is on a spectrum, with varying levels of severity and subtypes making it harder to understand and define.
• Comorbidity (The presentation of two or more disorders in a single person): Research shows an estimated 60-100% of people diagnosed with ADHD also have at least one other additional diagnosis. This includes other neurodevelopmental disorders and also major mood, trauma, and anxiety disorders. Multiple diagnoses make it more challenging to isolate and evaluate ADHD separately.
• Age and Gender Differences: ADHD presents differently in men vs women and in children vs adults, requiring more nuanced studies. Additionally, women tend to present with predominantly inattentive symptoms which can delay identification of impairment while men tend to be diagnosed much younger.
.• Focus on Symptoms over causes: Most research on ADHD has focused on managing the symptoms (e.g., medication) rather than studying the underlying neurological and genetic factors causing the disorder.
• Perception of Impact: ADHD has historically been dismissed as a less severe disorder in comparison to other neuro-cognitive and mental health disorders, reducing the urgency to fund research on its understanding.
ADHD, although misunderstood and often dismissed, can have severe negative effects on a person's life and daily functioning. Although commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD affects approximately 15.5 million adults in the United States. If you need help managing your ADHD symptoms, you are not alone!
• Make an appointment with a qualified professional such as an ADHD therapist, ADHD psychiatrist, or any ADHD specialist near you. Once you seek professional help, you can take an ADHD test and begin the assessment process to receive a formal diagnosis. Clarity Clinic has compassionate psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in ADHD treatment and ADHD testing in Chicago, waiting to help.
Make sure to explore all your options such as:
• CBT for ADHD: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Talk Therapy for ADHD: Talk therapy can provide emotional support and a safe space to discuss challenges caused by ADHD as well as discuss co-occurring issues like depression and anxiety.
• ADHD Coaching: ADHD coaching focuses on executive functioning impairments and practical skills such as organization and time management.
• Mindfulness Therapy: Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and breathwork can be taught in therapy to help reduce impulsivity and increase focus.
• Discuss medication effects and options with your psychiatrist to find the best solution for you.
• Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta) and non-stimulant medications (Strattera, Wellbutrin) may ease negative symptoms caused by ADHD.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help alleviate built up energy and stress as well as improve mood and decrease stress.
• Healthy Diet: Research supports that a healthy diet can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
• Prioritize sleep hygiene: having a consistent sleep schedule can lessen ADHD symptoms as poor sleep often exacerbates trouble focusing, irritability, and impulse control challenges.
Learn about ADHD and its effects. Understanding how ADHD affects you can empower you to seek appropriate assistance in effectively managing it and help break down misconceptions and stereotypes.
ADHD is a complex neuro-cognitive disorder that according to the ADA qualifies as a disability under specific measures. Understanding and managing ADHD is a journey that takes time and energy. There is no quick fix to ADHD but there are resources that can help.
• Seek education and understanding of your diagnosis
.• Book an appointment with a qualified professional to help guide you through the process
.• Be patient and kind towards yourself through this journey.
If ADHD is negatively affecting your life, you are not alone. Do not hesitate to get the help you deserve!
If you believe you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and looking to get an ADHD diagnosis in Chicago, Clarity Clinic is here to help! Our mental health experts specialize in ADHD diagnosis and creating personalized ADHD treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
With multiple clinic locations throughout Chicago (Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Evanston, and Arlington Heights) we make it easy for you to find an ADHD therapist or ADHD psychiatrist near you!
For added convenience, we also offer online ADHD treatment with our trained therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric providers in Illinois. Don’t let ADHD hold you back— take our FREE ADHD TEST ONLINE to get insight on the severity of your symptoms and see if you may need professional ADHD support!
Book a ConsultationRelated Readings:
Is ADHD considered a developmental disability?
Yes, ADHD is a developmental disability.
Is ADHD considered a disability?
Yes, ADHD is considered a disability, more specifically a developmental disability by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA),
Is ADHD genetic?
Yes, research indicates that ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has a strong genetic component.
Is ADHD a learning disability?
No, ADHD is not a learning disability. ADHD does not directly affect a person's ability to acquire academic skills. An example of a learning disability would be dyslexia.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
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