Is ADHD a Disability?

Yes, ADHD is a disability. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neuro-cognitive disorder that according to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) 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 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 the law. These guidelines include measuring the impact at which a person's ADHD impairs their ability to: Learn, concentrate, think, communicate, and work. [1]

Keep reading to learn more on ADHD, what type of disability it is, what accommodations you may be entitled to, and more!

Key Takeaways:

• Yes, ADHD is considered a disability according to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Qualifying individuals with ADHD have legal rights to special accommodations in both school and work environments.
• In order to qualify for special accommodations, an individual must have a formal ADHD diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional.
• ADHD is not a learning disability, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Is ADHD Legally Recognized as a Disability?

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.

Is ADHD a Learning Disability?

No, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affects the brain’s growth/function, appear in early childhood, and impacts learning, communication, social skills, and movement.

Examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and motor disorders.

While ADHD is not a learning disability, around 12-24% of children with ADHD also have a co-occurring learning disability such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. [2] For example, if someone has both ADHD and dyslexia, they may struggle with decoding words and sustaining attention to do so.

It’s important to note that ADHD does affect academic performance, however, it does not necessarily directly affect a person's ability to acquire academic skills.

In other words, 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.

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.

In order to help you get your case made at schools, parents should use the phrase “other health impairment” when requesting ADHD accommodations and not “learning disability”.

• Here is a valuable resource to help you know your rights. 

Understanding the Limits of ADHD Accommodations

While the ADA does provide qualifying individuals the right to reasonable and valuable protections/accommodations, there are limitations. The key thing to keep in mind is that the ADA provides “reasonable” accommodations. This means that companies are only required to accommodate requests that do not create extensive logistical or financial difficulties to the employer.

It’s also important to note that only employers with 15 or more employees are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations. Any companies with less than 15 employees may not be required by law to provide any accommodations (however, some state and local laws may still require them to comply) . [3]

• Not every case of ADHD is covered. According to the ADA, the individual's ADHD must be severe and greatly impair their life, inhibiting them from properly working or learning.
• Companies are only legally required to accommodate reasonable requests. They are not required to grant requests that cause logistical or financial difficulty.
• Only companies with 15 or more employees are legally required by the ADA to comply with reasonable accommodations.

ADHD in 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. As we mentioned before, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a learning disability.

To receive ADHD disability benefits in school, the individual must meet specific criteria such as:

• The "Adverse Effect" Rule: Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), having a diagnosis is needed but a diagnosis alone isn't enough. The school must prove that the ADHD adversely affects the child’s educational performance.
• The "Other Health Impairment" (OHI) Category: Since ADHD is not a "Specific Learning Disability," it is categorized under OHI. The criteria include having "limited alertness" in the classroom that results in a need for special education services.
• Substantial Limitation: For a 504 Plan, the ADHD must "substantially limit" a major life activity—in this case, learning or concentrating.

Below is a list of common accommodations most schools can provide to qualifying students with severe ADHD.

School Accommodations for ADHD

• 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.

How to Receive School Accommodation for ADHD

To receive reasonable accommodations 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.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD affects approximately 11.4% of children in the U.S. [4] and 6% of adults in the U.S. [5] 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

Why is ADHD so Misunderstood?

Here are some of the most common reasons why ADHD is such a misunderstood condition:

• 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. [6] 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 Treatment Options

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.[5] If you need help managing your adult 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:

ADHD Therapy: There are multiple types of therapy for ADHD you can explore. These include:

• 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.

ADHD Medication: Medication is a popular and highly effective treatment option for ADHD.

• 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.

Develop Health Habits and Routines: Talk to your doctor about the impact certain lifestyle changes can have on your ADHD symptoms.

• 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.

Educate yourself: 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!

ADHD Treatment and Testing in Chicago

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 online ADHD test to get insight on the severity of your symptoms and see if you may need professional ADHD support!

Related Readings:

• ADHD Vs. Autism in Adults: What's the Difference
• How to tell if a child has ADHD
• How to Manage ADHD at Work: Tips for Staying Focused
• The Three Types of ADHD Explained

Is ADHD a Disability FAQS

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.

References:

[1] ADA National Network. (n.d.). ADA definitions. https://adata.org/factsheet/ada-definitions

[2] Al-Yagon, M., Cavce, A., West, C., & Tillery, A. (2013). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities: Comparisons and co-occurrence. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 9, 321–347. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2011_138 (Note: Link points to the PMC archive of this research)

[3] ADA National Network. (n.d.). Reasonable accommodations in the workplace. https://adata.org/factsheet/reasonable-accommodations-workplace

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Data and statistics about ADHD. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html

[5] Bitsko, R. H., Holbrook, J. R., & Ghandour, R. M. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, treatment, and telehealth use among adults — United States, 2023. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 73(40), 893–900. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm

[6] Naziv, S., & Shafi, S. (2019). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(9), 2768–2773. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_539_19