Is ADHD a Disability?

When I first became diagnosed with ADHD, one of my first questions was "Does this mean that I'm disabled?" "Am I at a disadvantage compared to everyone?" It took me a while to actually understand and acknowledge my own strengths. For a long time, I didn't love or appreciate myself as I should've. Until then, I asked myself daily "Do I have a disability because of my ADHD?" this lead me to ask the probing question, "Is ADHD a disability?"

What is a disability?

As someone who wasn't that educated prior to this, I was seen as a disability as something a lot more physical than mental. Of course, there are mental conditions also that can count as a disability.

A disability is defined as a physical or MENTAL condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Does ADHD fall in this category? Yes but no depending on how you look at it, but that can be applied to any mental or physical condition. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause impulsiveness, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and a multitude of other things. Needless to say, there are also a lot of benefits to ADHD such as creativity, hyperfocus, empathy, and loads more!

Are people with ADHD really at a disadvantage?

Reading the benefits of ADHD I ask myself constantly in every situation am I at the disadvantage here? Now it's important to acknowledge that people with ADHD typically have a hard time paying attention so in an environment like school where I have to pay attention I am realistically at a disadvantage. While compared to more creative, free, and fluid environments I can be considered to be at an advantage because of my ADHD. So, those "disadvantages" are situational. This of course can be applied to any disorder.

One important thing to remember when it comes to acknowledging disadvantages is they only say that the road to the goal might be a little be tougher, but it doesn't mean you won't make it there at all.

Learn to Reframe

Based upon the society we live in today ADHD is considered a disability. Only because the world we live in today is fit for neurotypical brains, not those who are different. If we reframe the situation at how we look at our own skills compared to the situation we have much more gratitude for who we are! So YES! We are at a disadvantage with ADHD or any or disability for that matter in CERTAIN SITUATIONS! Above all, this "disadvantage" doesn't withdraw your place in the race it just makes it a bit more difficult. Remember! The king only gives the most difficult of journies to the strongest knights.