Can I Get Disability For a Dependent With ADHD?

Lazy, scatterbrained, disorganized, unmotivated. These are all words used to describe someone with ADHD. When ADHD is perceived as a lack of motivation or poor time management skills, the assumption is that the behavior can be corrected.

An ADHD disability case is usually hard to win. If your dependent is currently taking ADHD medication and continues to experience difficulty with age appropriate activities, you have a chance at winning an ADHD disability case.

How To Lose A Disability Case

Disability examiners have little interest in your personal opinion. If you can only show that behavior at home and school is abnormal, you will likely lose your case. Doctor prescribed medication, such as Ritalin, is insufficient proof of a disability. These drugs are highly effective in ADHD management. In addition, doctors often prescribe medications like Ritalin without an official ADHD diagnosis.

Properly Diagnosing ADHD

ADHD testing is conducted in two different ways. These tests are essential to both diagnosing ADHD and determining ADHD disability.

1. Testing is conducted by ADHD specialists. Their diagnosis is officially recognized by the Social Security Administration.
2. In school, testing determines the extent to which ADHD must be controlled in the academic environment. ADHD disability examiners need to know that the school believes the student requires extra attention or is eligible for special needs classes.

When building an ADHD disability case, the more information, the better. ADHD Test Results, academic records, teacher testimonies, medical records, and doctor recommendations will all help you present the best case possible.

What Do Disability Examiners Take Into Account When Determining ADHD Disability?

Age appropriate skills are the basis for determining the extent of ADHD Disability. If the examiner determines that your dependent is not demonstrating age-appropriate skill levels, even with medication, you are likely to win your dependent’s disability case.

Areas of examination are:

• Personal Skills - Personal hygiene, self awareness, time management, and organizational skills.
• Communication Skills - Language skills, and writing ability.
• Social Skills- Interactions with those in age group, students, teachers, and family members.

A Lawyer Can Help With Difficult Diagnosis Disability Cases

ADHD is normally manageable with special attention and medication. As a result, it is hard to prove that a case of ADHD is beyond manageable. Your lawyer can help you build and present the strongest case possible. If your dependent has severe ADHD, a disability lawyer will provide you with a better chance of winning your case.