Is ADHD a Disability? Here’s What Experts Say

If your ADHD symptoms are severe enough to impact daily functioning, your condition may be considered a developmental disability.

Learn more about our Clinical Review Process

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes challenges with attention, focus, and impulse control. Symptoms typically begin during childhood and can continue into adulthood, impacting relationships, work or school performance, and self-esteem without proper support. 

While therapy and medication are common treatments for ADHD, state and federal guidelines require certain accommodations and benefits depending on the severity of your symptoms. Below, we discuss why ADHD is considered a developmental disability and how legal accommodations can help people manage ADHD symptoms.

Is ADHD a disability?

ADHD is classified as a protected disability under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act (RA) of 1973, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

The ADA is a federal law that was enacted in 1990 to prevent companies with more than 15 employees from discriminating against disabled workers. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is another law that protects people from discrimination based on their disability. It’s similar to the ADA but applies to federal government workers, federal contractors, and employees of programs receiving federal funds. There’s another law called the IDEA, which was created to ensure that children with disabilities, including ADHD, have access to the services and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

“Not everyone with ADHD is eligible for protection, but you may be covered if your symptoms significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, learn, work, and socialize,” explains Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Courtney Way, MA, LCAT (read on to learn about the qualifications that allow people to get accommodations under the law).

Is ADHD a learning disability?

ADHD is not a learning disability, but it does commonly co-occur with learning difficulties and disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. Even though it’s not a learning disability, ADHD can still impact your learning abilities, such as following directions and focusing on tasks.

ADHD as a disability vs identity

If you’re hesitant to use the term disability, know that you’re not alone. “I think that there are quite a few people who view it harmful or take issue with classifying ADHD as a disability. This could be due to the internalized stigma that comes from labeling ADHD as a disability. It could also be because the medical model views ADHD as a deficit,” says Way.

That said, it’s helpful to view “ADHD as the result of inaccessible environments and societal barriers rather than a deficit on behalf of the person,” Way explains. “Some view it as a positive, empowering part of themselves, and others feel the weight that society puts on the term ‘disabled.’ However, many still appreciate and have a nuanced relationship with the accommodations that come from the classifications.”

How can ADHD affect work or school? 

ADHD can cause challenges with executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, managing time, and sustaining attention. For example, many people with ADHD struggle to regulate their focus — which can lead to difficulty following directions, concentrating on tasks, and remaining engaged during meetings. 

ADHD can also cause time blindness, which is when people have difficulty perceiving and managing time. People with time blindness are often late for appointments, have trouble meeting deadlines, and underestimate how long it takes to complete specific tasks. 

“Both work environments and school environments aren’t designed for neurodivergence. The constant effort that it takes to keep up with the system can lead to feeling like they are constantly behind or missing something, or feeling a lot of anxiety, or feeling stupid/lazy,” explains Way.

“This leads to a lot of overwhelm and burnout, especially if they are masking to try and fit in with expectations. ADHD can also heighten people’s emotional sensitivity, which can lead to people feeling more easily frustrated, struggling with rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, fear of disappointing others, and reacting strongly to criticism,” she continues. 

What accommodations and benefits are available for ADHD? 

If ADHD symptoms are impacting your performance at work or school, consider exploring what resources and support systems are available to help you succeed. “When people with ADHD are well supported and are offered flexibility, often you will see a heightened sense of creativity, big-picture thinking, and passionate individuals,” says Way. 

The ADA and RA state that people with severe ADHD impairment may qualify for workplace accommodations, such as: 

• A quiet or private workspace
• Structured breaks throughout the day 
• Modified work schedule or workload 
• Help with prioritization, such as timers, apps, and calendars
• Changing positions within the company

According to the IDEA and RA, students with ADHD are also eligible for support through programs like an individualized education plan (IEP) and a Section 504 plan. 

For students in elementary and middle school, accommodations may include:

• Distraction-free workspaces
• Movement or activity breaks 
• Alternative formats for tests and assignments 
• Individual assignments based on your strengths and abilities 

For students in high school, accommodations may include:

• Extra time for quizzes and exams 
• Alternative homework assignments
• Help with studying or taking notes
• Resources to help improve organization and time management 

For students in college, accommodations may include:

• Reduced course load
• Alternative homework assignments
• Extra time for quizzes and exams 
• Access to recorded lectures, audiobooks, and virtual assistance 

When symptoms are severe enough to significantly impact daily functioning or ability to work, you might also be eligible for federal disability benefits through programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to qualify for ADHD accommodations and disability benefits 

If you think you might qualify for accommodations at work or school, it’s best to meet with a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatrician. In most cases, you’ll need medical evidence of an ADHD diagnosis to receive accommodations and benefits. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, an ADHD diagnosis requires six or more inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms for children and five or more for adults. You may also be asked to provide records documenting how your symptoms impact your performance at school or work, as well as your medical history and records of hospitalization and psychological testing.

ADHD treatment with Charlie Health 

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, Charlie Health can help. Charlie Health’s virtual treatment programs support people managing mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as major life transitions and problems at work or school. Our compassionate clinicians can help you improve your quality of life using evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more. Fill out the form below or give us a call to learn more today.