Disabled vs. Disability??? | ADHD Information

Dissability comes in many forms. If it were me I would tell them all you have a disabled child at home. If nothing else if might let them help you easier.

I'm not sure what the proper category for this is, but since it's about my child, I found this the most appropriate.

DS has ADHD/Anxiety/OCD. He's 6 years old. I know ADHD is a disability, but does it make him disabled? He does exceptionally well in school, but his social life, our family life, and our finances suffer. The reason I am asking is because it has come up twice lately. First, when I was filling out financial aid information for school to see if I qualify for grants, and second, when I recently did my taxes. Both times I said I did not have a disabled child. Was I correct in saying no? How is having a disability different than being disabled? Thanks

A disability impairs ones ability to function in a normal capacity on a daily basis. "Normal meaning life in general is a  daily struggle socially and emotionaly. In order for ADHD to be diagnosble behaviors have to be disabling. If ADHD behaviors were not disabling it wouldnt be considred a disability. Hope this helps.I don't think your original question has anything to do with the words disabled or disability.

I think you are really asking if this thing is permanent.

The answer is no.

But things can get worse if you make them worse.

They can get better if you make them better.  You influence your child whether you know it or not.  You have to lend him (or her) your confidence.  You have to let them know that it is correct for them to believe in themselves. 

The greater their doubt in themselves, the greater their failures will be.  The more they believe in themselves, the more they will get up and dust themselves off when they fall...and who doesn't fall down from time to time.  Our society just wants to diagnose every misstep. 

Treat your child like he is able...defend and protect him when he is hurt...he will not let you down.
I've been lurking on this topic here.

First of all, I have a real hard time saying that I have a disability.  I can do things other people can, I just do them differently. Sometimes it takes me a while, sometimes I make mistakes, sometimes I have to find alternative ways. For me, the term has a negative connotation.  I understand that for financial purposes, there has to be some determination and therefore, ADHD would fall under ADA specifications.  It's okay to use these terms to get what you need.

I am learning how not to be ashamed of my ADHD.  Learning how to embrace the creativity and spontaniety it gives me.  I didn't realize this whole process would be so tough though.  I've lived with this my whole life and I'm just grateful that my life finally has explanation; that I now have a reason for things - not just excuses.  I am learning how to make my life better through medication and psychological therapy.  I agree, we don't just have to "live with it".  And while some people may experience different symptoms throughout their lives, I personally have not experienced the "you'll outgrow it" thing.  I once believed that I had outgrown it because I was able to file papers!  Little did I know that ADHD was much more than just being able to organize papers!

Good luck Cali.  I hope you have gotten the answers you seek and the help you need.
Dear KLJ2691,

I am glad you feel the way that you do.  That is called being positive.  You can overcome your disability.  Organization is one of the biggest keys to getting better.  After that you have to learn to channel your nervous energy toward you success.  Then you can use the courage you have found (to admit you have a problem) and then solve it. 

People with ADHD have specific symptoms that can be addressed.  IE inability to focus, unable to stay on task for a long period of time, unable to complete tasks...among others.

So...if you learn to  finish tasks, to stay focused and become organized you will be very much going in the direction of being in control of your life.

Best,

Andrew

Andrew Johnson wrote:
 I don't think your original question has anything to do with the words disabled or disability

I think you are really asking if this thing is permanent.

The answer is no

I'm sorry but your not correct. Her original question had everything to do with whether ADHD is defined as a disability. The mom is filling out financial aid forms and tax forms so its a question that really needed an answer.  She even goes on to explain why she is asking the question and then in the last sentence she goes on to ask the key question. Also, I assume when you say ""this thing" your referring to ADHD? ADHD is a chronic condition but through proper treatment it can be managed well and people can go on to live quality of life . It is not a temporary condition however,I'm sure your advice is well intended. The  original poster goes on to say:

cali1234 wrote:
The reason I am asking is because it has come up twice lately. First, when I was filling out financial aid information for school to see if I qualify for grants

, and second, when I recently did my taxes

. Both times I said I did not have a disabled child. Was I correct in saying no? How is having a disability different than being disabled

 

Luvmykids02 is correct, I did want a clear cut answer on whether my son was considered disabled.

 

 

Yes, in order to be diagnosed as ADHD (or other, similar
disorders) the ability to function in every day life has
to be disabling (therefore, by definition, ADHD is a
"disability", which causes your child's ability to
function in every day life to be "disabled")

I've BTDT with our older son, but autism is a much more
widely recongnized disablity!Dear cali1234,

I realize now that you were asking your question for reasons other that the ones I wrote about.  I apologize.

But will say that...

I was commenting on the permanency of ADHD.  It does not have to be permanent.  I have seen many children improve their ability to concentrate and behave so that they would no longer be recognized as having a disability.

You can listen to people who tell you that you have to "live with it" or you can listen to people who will help you improve the situation...

Things can be under your control...Good luck.

Andrew Johnson wrote:You can listen to people who tell you that you have to "live with it" or you can listen to people who will help you improve the situation...

No one has told Cali or any other member that they have to "live with it". Advice given is about how to manage symptoms which "improve the situation" Read through the forum and read about how society can see the many gifts of having ADHD when someone gets proper treatment and interventions thus, no longer being viewed as one with a disability but rather one with a remarkable gift.

We are a pretty knowledgeable and support group. When we need serious answers we look to each other and this was a very important question, especially when the parent is filling out a financial aid or tax forms.

 

Cali, I'm glad we were able to be helpful :)