Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder1. According to ADHD Australia over 1 million people in Australia have ADHD1.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 20 Australians, which has an impact on their ability to have age-appropriate self-control, according to ADHD Australia.
ADHD: a disabling condition
It is recognized as a disability under the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act.
Since you can treat and manage ADHD with medication and psychotherapy, the organisation doesn't list this disorder as a disability. Currently, the National Disability Insurance Scheme doesn't consider ADHD a permanent disability or impairment.
ADHD may be covered by the NDIS if you meet the eligibility and disability requirements. In addition to general criteria such as age, you must be able to prove that you have a disability causing an impairment that: Is permanent or likely to be permanent.
To legally protect the rights of people with ADHD in Australia, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), a person's ADHD must be classed as a disability according to the criteria as specified in the DDA.
Is ADHD covered under the NDIS? In itself, no. ADHD can be effectively treated with medication and is therefore seen to be ineligible for further NDIS-funded supports. However, ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders and persons with comorbid ADHD are more likely to qualify for NDIS supports.
Should I share that I have ADHD? Whether or not to disclose ADHD to an employer is a personal decision. Unfortunately, due to lingering stigma about mental health conditions, some employers may respond poorly or assume that ADHD will render the employee unable to succeed in their current role.
Adults with ADHD can qualify for disability benefits but only in cases where they can prove that their ADHD prevents them from performing substantial gainful work activity. This can be difficult for adults with ADHD to prove.
WHO IS QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE ADHD? For adults, an ADHD diagnostic evaluation should be provided by a licensed mental health professional or a physician. These professionals include clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor, or other type of physician), or clinical social workers.
However, ADHD falls under the category “Other Health Impaired” and not under “Specific Learning Disabilities.” Individuals with ADHD can also qualify for accommodations under the ADA and Section 504 if their ADHD impacts a major life function such as learning.
In Australia, the psychostimulant medications mainly used to treat ADHD are dexamfetamine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Methylphenidate is available as a short-acting preparation (e.g. Ritalin®) and as a long-acting or extended release preparation (e.g. Ritalin LA®, Concerta®).
Is ADHD a neurological disorder? ADHD affects the development of the brain, causing a person to display certain behaviors and psychological states that do not generally present in neurotypical people. Some sources classify ADHD as a neurological disorder on the basis that it affects neurodevelopment .
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects the brains ability to regulate attention and control impulses.
ADHD is primarily a neurobiological disorder with a strong hereditary component. It is a developmental disorder affecting the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which controls "executive functions" and other self-regulatory processes—cognitive abilities that allow people to control and orchestrate thoughts and actions.
Disability is considered to be a protected class, and adult ADHD is classified as a medical disability (or, more commonly, a learning disability). As such, if an employer fails to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to an employee who has adult ADHD, it could be considered workplace discrimination.
What protections, if any, do I have?” Individuals with disabilities aren't protected from being fired. They are protected under both federal and state laws if they are fired because of their disability, or because they were denied reasonable accommodations and, therefore, could not do their job properly.
Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.
ADHD and the NDIS and how does NDIS eligibility work
If you have ADHD and are likely to overcome the issue you are seeking financial help for, or are being successfully treated with medications, then you are unlikely to be eligible for NDIS.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
The pricing of our psychological testing ranges from $800 - $2000 depending on the type of test you want. The pricing includes three clinical consultations, administration of the test, a a follow up Assessment report and recommendations for future actions.
If you are finding it difficult to concentrate or focus, and this is affecting your day-to-day life, an assessment should be organised as early as possible with a GP to assess whether ADHD or another health issue might explain your symptoms and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment if necessary.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a legitimate excuse for antisocial or criminal activity, and any attempt to frame it as such is often seen by the court as hiding behind a diagnosis. It is important to impress upon your child that she must take responsibility for her actions at all times.
Most people with ADHD don't have to tell their employer about it, so deciding to reveal their diagnosis will have taken courage.