Yes, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can cover ADHD under certain conditions. While ADHD is not listed as a standalone disability, it may qualify for NDIS support if it leads to substantial and permanent functional impairments that affect daily activities, social interaction, or economic participation.  To receive support, you need to show how ADHD impacts your daily life significantly. This guide will help you understand the eligibility criteria, types of support available, and how to strengthen your application to improve your chances of getting NDIS funding. What Is ADHD? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects how people pay attention and control impulses. It can make it hard to sit still, stay focused, or follow through on tasks.  ADHD can appear in childhood and last into adulthood. While everyone might have trouble focusing sometimes, people with ADHD face these challenges almost every day, affecting their daily lives. ADHD Prevalence in Australia In Australia, approximately 7.2% of children aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, making it one of the most common mental health disorders among young people.  This statistic highlights the significant prevalence of ADHD in the country, and it supports the need for appropriate mental health services and support (HealthGov). ADHD is not just about not paying attention; it’s about the struggles to function day-to-day. — Dr. Edward Hallowell, ADHD Specialist ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means it affects how the brain develops and functions.  People with ADHD may have different levels of symptoms, and it often appears alongside other conditions, like anxiety or autism.  Understanding these symptoms is important, as it helps decide if someone qualifies for NDIS support. ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis ADHD symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some common symptoms include: Difficulty Paying Attention: Trouble staying focused on tasks or getting easily distracted. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or struggling to wait their turn. Hyperactivity: Feeling restless, fidgeting, or talking excessively. These symptoms can show up in different ways depending on a person’s age. Children may have trouble following rules or sitting quietly in school.  Adults might find it hard to stay organized at work or keep track of deadlines. Diagnosis usually involves assessments by healthcare professionals, looking at how these symptoms affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. ADHD in Adults vs. Children ADHD doesn’t look the same in everyone. The symptoms in children and adults can be quite different: Children: Often display hyperactivity, such as running around a lot or having trouble sitting still in class. They might also find it hard to follow instructions or finish homework. Adults: May experience more issues with attention and impulsivity rather than hyperactivity. They can struggle with time management, keeping up with work demands, or maintaining relationships. Because ADHD changes over time, the type of NDIS support needed might also vary based on age.  Children might benefit more from school-based supports or social skills training, while adults may need job coaching or help with managing daily tasks. Does NDIS Cover ADHD? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) does not list ADHD as a standalone disability. However, ADHD can still be covered if it leads to substantial and permanent functional impairment.  This means that if ADHD makes it hard for someone to complete daily activities or engage socially and economically, they might qualify for NDIS support. The NDIS looks at how much ADHD impacts a person’s life rather than focusing only on the diagnosis itself.  For instance, if ADHD prevents someone from working, managing household tasks, or interacting with others, it might be considered a significant disability.  NDIS considers a combination of factors, including how long the symptoms have lasted and whether they are expected to continue affecting the person long-term. The key to receiving NDIS support is to show how ADHD affects functional capacity, not just to provide a diagnosis.  — National Disability Insurance NDIS Eligibility Criteria for ADHD To get NDIS support for ADHD, you need to meet certain criteria. NDIS focuses on the functional impact of ADHD, not just the diagnosis. Here are the main things they look at: Reduced Ability to Perform Daily Activities: The person has trouble doing everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or taking care of themselves. Limitations on Social and Economic Participation: The person finds it hard to interact with others or hold a job due to their symptoms. Permanent and Long-Term Impact: ADHD symptoms must be long-lasting and are expected to continue affecting the person’s life. It’s not enough to simply have a diagnosis. You need to show how ADHD limits what you can do daily and impacts your life in a big way. This is where functional assessments and reports from healthcare professionals can help. ADHD and Comorbid Conditions Comorbid conditions are other health issues that happen alongside ADHD, like anxiety or autism.  Having these conditions can make it easier to qualify for NDIS support because they add to the overall impact on a person’s life. For example: ADHD and Autism: People with both ADHD and autism may have more trouble with communication and social skills. This can make it even harder to participate in daily activities or find a job. ADHD and Anxiety: Anxiety can increase the struggles with focus and staying calm, making it difficult to handle stressful situations or deal with changes. When applying for NDIS support, it’s important to include all comorbid conditions. This shows the full picture of how ADHD and other issues combined affect daily life. Benefits of Including Comorbid Conditions in NDIS Applications Comorbid Condition Impact on Daily Life Benefit of Including in NDIS Application Autism Spectrum Disorder Greater difficulties in communication, social skills, and sensory processing Increases likelihood of getting more comprehensive support for both conditions Anxiety Disorder Trouble handling stress, frequent worry, and avoidance of certain situations Shows the need for mental health support and emotional regulation therapies Oppositional Defiant Disorder Behavioral issues, frequent conflicts with authority, and problems with rule-following Demonstrates the need for…..