ADHD and the NDIS

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s development. People diagnosed with ADHD find it hard to control their behaviour due to lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

 According to the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, children younger than sixteen must be affected by six or more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. Moreover, the symptoms must be evident before the age of twelve and be present within two or more settings such as school or home.

ADHD has varying severity; it can affect people differently. Most children display symptoms of ADHD around the age of seven years. The high intensity of ADHD can significantly diminish people’s functional capacity. They often face difficulties completing activities or work, following instructions, switching between two or more tasks, sitting still, and remembering things.

Approximately 5% of Australians show symptoms of ADHD. It is a disorder that can be witnessed and is mainly diagnosed during childhood; however, thirty to sixty percent of individuals face the effects of ADHD even during adulthood.

There are three categories of ADHD. These include:

1.         Predominantly inattentive type-people in this category find it hard to concentrate but are not hyperactive.

2.         Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type-people in this category are hyperactive but not inattentive.

3.         Combined type-people in this category display both inattention and hyperactivity symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria for ADHD under the NDIS

The NDIS does not cover ADHD on its own. This is because it might be hard for people diagnosed with it to meet the ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ criteria by the NDIS to acquire funds and supports. According to the criteria, participants must face permanent challenges in their daily life, which is mostly not the case for ADHD. If you have ADHD that can be treated using  medication, you are not eligible to qualify for NDIS support.

If you have ADHD that causes a psychosocial disability, you have the chance to qualify for NDIS funds. This means that, in the case where people have ADHD along with other mental health conditions, such as intellectual disability, autism, learning disability-dyslexia, or developmental delay, they can qualify for NDIS support.

Since ADHD co-occurs with other conditions, a detailed and comprehensive assessment is carried out for its diagnosis. It is carried out by a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If the assessment indicates that the person is affected by more than one condition, they can present the assessment as evidence to qualify for the NDIS support.

The first and foremost step you must follow is to ensure that you meet the NDIS Eligibility Criteria. According to the criteria, you must:

1.         Face permanent challenges in daily life

2.         Require support for your entire life

3.         Face difficulty in social and communal participation

4.         Be affected by a reduced capacity to perform day-to-day activities

If you meet all the above-stated conditions, you will most likely qualify for NDIS funds. Please keep in mind that you will have to provide evidence such as letters and reports from your doctor or family members confirming your reduced functionality and that you have exhausted other treatment options. You must also demonstrate what obstacles you face in your daily activities due to ADHD.

The NDIS assesses its participants individually; therefore, even if you have been diagnosed with ADHD and have ample evidence to support it, it is not confirmed that you will be receiving funds and supports. If you require any additional information regarding the NDIS eligibility criteria or Allied Health in Sydney, feel free to contact Complete Connect.

NDIS support for ADHD

Once you have presented evidence to the NDIS about how ADHD hinders your daily functional capabilities, the NDIS will offer you supports as per your need. These supports include:

1.         Assistance with capacity building to develop self-management, social and communication skills

2.         Positive behavioural supports

3.         Cognitive therapy to enhance thinking capabilities

4.         Support workers to provide help with daily life chores

5.         Assistive technology to improve your mobility and functionality

Looking for help?

Complete Connect works to elevate participants’ quality of life by providing services such as community nursing, daily support, Allied Health in Sydney, specialist support coordination, home care, and community participation. Feel free to contact them by phone or email.