Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsADHD at WorkIs ADHD a Disability?What Is the ADA?Disclosing Your DiagnosisAsking for AccommodationsIf Your Boss Denies Your Request
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ADHD at Work
Is ADHD a Disability?
What Is the ADA?
Disclosing Your Diagnosis
Asking for Accommodations
If Your Boss Denies Your Request
Close
It’s important for you to know and understand what your rights are as an employee with ADHD. This information will empower you to have a discussion with your boss about what you need to perform your job well.
You might be applying forjobsand wondering how to broach the subject of your rights with a potential employer or looking for ways to address difficulties you are experiencing at your current job.
Maybe you have had a verbal warning, a poor performance review, or been put on probation. Perhaps your boss has not given you formal feedback, but you realize that your work performance does not match that of your peers.
Under this work pressure, you might have noticed yourADHD symptomsare getting worse. Not only does stress exacerbate ADHD symptoms, but feeling that you are not measuring up despite your best efforts can take a toll onyour self-esteem.
If you’re concerned about the consequences of your struggles at work, the first step you can take is to learn about your rights as an employee with ADHD. Then, you can research the accommodations that might be available to you.
To help you get started, here are some answers to the most common questions related to your rights at work as an employee with ADHD.
A Day in the Work Life With ADHD
Is ADHD Considered a Disability?
The ADA considers a person to have a disability if:
What this means is that some people with ADHD are considered to have a disability under ADA, and some are not.
Can You Join the Military With ADHD?
Can the ADA Help Me?
Many countries have laws that protect workers with disabilities at their jobs. In the United States, the law is calledAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
While the ADA and the subsequentAmericans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008are designed to protect employees with disabilities from workplace discrimination, it can be confusing to understand how they apply to individual employees.
We reached out to Melanie Whetzel, Lead Consultant on the Cognitive Team at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), who provided answers to some of the most common questions people have about their rights as an employee with ADHD.
Do I Have to Share My ADHD Diagnosis in a Job Interview?
Whetzel says that disclosing yourADHD diagnosisduring an interview is ultimately a personal decision. Some people with ADHD choose not to discuss their diagnosis in a job interview because they are afraid it will count against them in the hiring process. Others are upfront about their diagnosis because they only want to work for an employer who would be supportive.
While you’re interviewing for a job, consider that you might not realize that you need accommodations until you’re actually in the job environment. On the other hand, it’s also possible that you won’t need to ask for an accommodation at all.
If you are hired, keep in mind that your situation at work might change. A person with ADHD might have worked for a company for many years without needing to ask for an accommodation, but finds that they need one after something shifts at work (for example, their job description or schedule changes).
Strategies for Living Well With ADHD
How Can I Ask for an Accommodation?
You can request a specific accommodation in writing or verbally.Check with your employer or your company’s human resources department to find out if there are practices and protocols in place you need to follow.
What Accommodations Can I Ask For?
Whetzel suggests that rather than looking for a list of general accommodations, think about the specific challenges in your work environment and what you would find the most helpful.
For example, if you work in a cubicle and find that the noise volume in the office makes it difficult for you to focus, ask for accommodations that specifically address the problem. For example:
Another way to know what type of accommodations would help is to think about the areas of your job performance where your employer wants to see improvement.
You can use feedback from your boss as a guide. For example, if they have spoken to you repeatedly about being late for work, ask for an accommodation that would make it easier for you to arrive on time.
The ADA states that accommodations should not cause an employer hardship. The goal is for you and your employer to find a solution that is helpful for you and feasible for them.
For example, your boss might be able to arrange for your cubicle to be taller, but they probably cannot build you a private office.
Tips to Focus at Work With ADHD
What Accommodations Are Not Available to Me?
You are required to perform essential functions but can ask for accommodations for the marginal functions.
If your arrival time is a marginal function and time management in the morning is a struggle for you, it might help to ask if you can start at 8 a.m. and make up the time at the end of the day when you have more focus.
If your ADHD causes you to struggle with an essential function at work, you can still take steps to meet the job’s requirements. For example, you mightask your doctorif there is a more effective way to treat your ADHD.
You can also work on developing practical coping strategies. JAN offers advice and suggestions that might help you get started.
What If My Employer Denies My Request?
If your employer fails to cooperate or denies an accommodation request, you have the right to file a complaint with theEqual Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
An employer who is not familiar with ADA and ADAAA might think that they need to make the same concession for everyone, but this is not true.
Employers can change workplace rules to accommodate an employee with a disability without extending the change to all employees.
The Best Jobs for People With ADHD
Takeaway
If you aregoing through a difficult time at workbecause of your ADHD, know that you are not alone. But not every person with ADHD is considered to have a disability under the ADA. If you do, it’s important that you know your legal rights and what protections are available to you as an employee.
If you are wondering if you need an accommodation at work, or are not sure what type of accommodation to ask for, there are many resources available.
If ADHD is making it difficult for you to function at work, consider asking your doctor about your treatment options.
The Most Helpful ADHD Resources
4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Basics.Vrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord.2018;10(2):151-160. doi:10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xADA National Network.What is the definition of disability under the ADA?U.S. Department of Labor.Reasonable Accommodations for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities.
4 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Basics.Vrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord.2018;10(2):151-160. doi:10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xADA National Network.What is the definition of disability under the ADA?U.S. Department of Labor.Reasonable Accommodations for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Basics.Vrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord.2018;10(2):151-160. doi:10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xADA National Network.What is the definition of disability under the ADA?U.S. Department of Labor.Reasonable Accommodations for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Basics.
Vrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord.2018;10(2):151-160. doi:10.1007/s12402-017-0241-x
ADA National Network.What is the definition of disability under the ADA?
U.S. Department of Labor.Reasonable Accommodations for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities.
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