How to Get Social Security Disability for Children with ADHD

ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurological condition that is defined by problems in three areas: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. When a child is affected with this disorder, he/she will exhibit symptoms in these areas that are higher than normal for his/her age and development. In some cases, it may be possible to get social security disability for children with ADHD, so it is important to understand what your rights are and whether benefits may be available to you. 

ADHD Symptoms 

While it is not fully known what causes ADHD, it has become clear that the brain of someone with this condition reacts differently to neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin. It is also clear that boys are affected more often than girls and that some children will show many symptoms in one area, while others show symptoms in more than one area. Regardless, it is important to know and recognize the symptoms of ADHD in a child so you can tell when that child needs help.

Symptoms of hyperactivity are easy to observe, and often, an ADHD child who does not exhibit many of these symptoms does not get a proper diagnosis. Symptoms of hyperactivity include:

• Not being able to remain in one's seat
• Fidgeting
• Playing with hands
• Squirming
• Constantly moving 
• Running when it is not allowed
• Having a hard time playing quietly
• Talking excessively

The symptoms of inattention are a bit harder to spot and include:

• Making a lot of careless errors in schoolwork 
• Not being organized
• Not completing assignments
• Being forgetful often, even about daily activities
• Being easily distracted
• Losing things easily

One of the most troublesome symptoms is not being able to do schoolwork for a long period of time. The ADHD child will often try and avoid having to do school related tasks because they are difficult. When you talk the child, it will also sometimes seem like he/she is not listening. 

Finally, symptoms of impulsivity manifest themselves in certain ways according to the child’s age, so if you are observing these symptoms, you have to keep in mind what is normal for the child’s age group. Symptoms include:

• Trouble waiting one's turn 
• Blurting out answers in class
• Interrupting others when they are talking or playing 

Filing for SSI Disability for ADHD 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for ADHD in a child whose family has financial needs, provided that the ADHD is severe enough. When applying for benefits, you will need to disclose all family income and resources. There are also strict guidelines that will determine the severity of your child’s ADHD, and you will need documentation to back up your claim, including medical records, test results, school records, and parent and teacher questionnaires.  

The Social Security Administration has a listing of many disabling conditions called the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, which is often referred to as the blue book. There is a section on this list for children’s conditions, and the section covering ADHD is 112.11. You will need to refer to this section to see if your child's ADHD is severe enough to qualify for benefits. The basic requirements are:    

• The disability needs to have lasted for at least 12 months or be expected to last that long.  
• The child must have marked inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.  

The other requirement depends on the age of the child. Between 1 and 3 years of age, the child has to exhibit symptoms at a level usually possessed by kids half the child's age in at least one of the following: fine and gross motor development, social function, or cognitive/communicative function. If the child is between the ages of 3 and 18, he/she needs to exhibit marked impairment in at least two of the following: cognitive/ communicative function, social functioning, and personal functioning, or have significant problems in concentrating, persisting at any activities, or pacing oneself.

Getting Help

If you wish to help your child qualify for SSI benefits, calling a lawyer is often the best thing you can do. A good lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove the severity of your child's condition. This will provide the best chance of getting benefits approved in a timely manner.