Is ADHD a Disability? An Alternative Perspective
Posted on 25th November 2024 at 15:19
One of the criteria for ADHD is that it has to cause significant impairment in at least 2 areas of a person’s life, such as work or family. So, in that sense and in terms of the UK Equality Act, it’s not difficult to see why ADHD is defined as a disability when correctly diagnosed.
However, ADHD has also been described as a gift, a superpower and a significant contributor to success by many of the famous people who have it.
Simone Biles, probably the most successful American gymnast ever, with 4 Olympic gold medals and 19 World Championship medals, was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. The charity LDRFA posted that:
For those living with ADHD… Biles’ message is clear: your unique brain isn’t a roadblock – it might just be your greatest asset. The key lies in understanding your traits, finding your passion, and channelling your energy in ways that work for you.
ADHD symptoms of physical restlessness and difficulty sitting still, have been transformed by Biles into the high energy which has contributed to her success both in her resilience in training and her dynamism when performing. Dr David Conant-Norville, a psychiatrist commented in 2016 that
Athletes with ADHD are facing an oversized set of obstacles… ADHD often makes kids fidgety and unable to focus and yet — as Biles proved so inspirationally — many ADHD athletes are capable of concentrating intently on an activity they find rewarding.
Adrian Chiles – the UK television and radio broadcaster was diagnosed with ADHD in 2016. He has said that his quick thinking and ability to ad lib on air is linked with his ADHD.
Rory Bremner, who is 63, did a BBC documentary about ADHD and was diagnosed in 2017. He reported that he has difficulties with inattention, impulsivity and problems with organisation. He believes that the lateral thinking style of his brain contributes significantly to the creativity his comedy
The singer Justin Timberlake disclosed in 2008 that he has ADHD and said that music had helped him to manage his ADHD. He also commented that the high levels of activity in his brain contributed to his creativity when performing.
For people with ADHD, their symptoms will cause significant impairment. If there is not significant impairment in at least 2 areas of life, such as family, work, education, social life and self-esteem, then a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made. However, ADHD symptoms can be well-managed with medication, having psychotherapy and learning skills through ADHD Coaching and CBT and by doing regular exercise. If an individual is lucky enough to find their professional niche in life, or to turn their passion into a job, or simply to find a job they enjoy and can do well, then their ADHD can be a huge asset in work. In home life and in relationships, people with ADHD often bring a liveliness, humour and creativity which is highly valued by those who know them well.
Is ADHD a disability? Yes and No.
ADHD Adult Assessment
If an adult, who thinks they may have ADHD, wants to ask for “reasonable adjustments” to be made by their employer, college or university, then they will need to have gone through an ADHD Assessment and received a formal diagnosis.
Tagged as: ADHD
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