Yes. According to the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disability that lays an adverse impact on an individual’s working capability. The condition affects a person’s brain function and cognitive abilities.
There are federal and state laws that ensure appropriate public education for students with ADHD, as well as laws that prohibit discrimination. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be able to get relevant disability benefits and accommodations at work.
What is ADHD?
ADHD usually begins to show by the time a child is 7 years old. For an adult to be diagnosed, symptoms must have started before the age of 12.
According to the statistics, about 4% of adults and nearly 9% of children in the United States have ADHD. An estimated 60% of children with ADHD will continue to show symptoms in their adult life.
ADHD is one of the fundamental neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. The diagnosis of ADHD in childhood tends to persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and have difficulty concentrating or controlling impulses.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD may appear in childhood, even if someone is not diagnosed until adulthood. Some common symptoms of ADHD in children are:
- Daydreaming or difficulty paying attention
- Restless; frequent fidgeting or squirming
- Difficulty controlling impulses
- Trouble with sharing or taking turns
- Difficulty getting along with other children
Symptoms can be severe, causing problems not only at home but also at school. ADHD is thought to have a number of potential causes, such as brain injury, premature birth, exposure to toxic chemicals or alcohol during pregnancy, and low birth weight. Individuals with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder.
Types of ADHD
According to the DSM-5, there are three subtypes of ADHD. While some people experience milder signs, others have moderate to severe symptoms.
The three types of ADHD are:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: In this type of ADHD, individuals have difficulty organizing work, completing tasks, following instructions, and communicating problems. The person may be easily distracted.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The symptoms of this type include talking a lot and finding it hard to sit still. For smaller children, it’s common to constantly jump, climb, or run more than other kids. Restlessness and impulsivity are the core symptoms of this type.
- Combined Presentation: Individuals with the combined type have hyperactive and impulsive behaviors while also being distractible or inattentive.
ADHD can cause learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and other disorders that can further affect an individual’s life.
Can you get a disability for ADHD?
People with ADHD can sometimes be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) aid. If your ADHD symptoms are preventing you from doing any work, you may be able to receive disability for ADHD.
If a child has ADHD, they may also be able to receive Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for ADHD. However, they must meet all the eligibility requirements in the Social Security Administration (SSA) childhood impairment listing 112.11. The listing includes neurodevelopmental disorders. To be eligible, a child must exhibit one or more of the following:
- Hyperactive or impulsive behavior
- Frequent distractibility
- Frequent movement
- Problems with learning
A marked or severe limitation must be present in any of the following two areas:
- Concentration
- Social interaction
- Impulse control
- Difficulty understanding or remembering information
Documenting disability is vital to be eligible to receive ADHD disability benefits. Psychological tests, reports, and sometimes additional medical evidence are required to prove a child’s symptoms to the SSA.
How to apply for ADHD disability benefits
You can apply for disability for ADHD by calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213. The application will require medical documentation of your condition. You can also include the written statements of relatives, teachers, and/or coaches.
The examiner will evaluate all the records and request any additional details needed. Then, the SSA will then determine your eligibility for ADHD disability.
Need legal help? Get in touch today
If your disability claim gets denied the first time, as many do, you can file an appeal. The appeal will go for a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ).
If you want to know more about how to act for your specific case, contact a Social Security disability attorney.