NDIS ADHD Eligibility: Can You Apply for the NDIS if You Have ADHD?

Wondering about NDIS ADHD eligibility? If you have ADHD and you want to apply for the NDIS, read this article to find out everything you need to know about the procedure.

Updated on Jan 16, 2024
5 min read

Summary:

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to individuals with disabilities. NDIS funding covers a wide range of disabilities. These include physical, intellectual, and neurological disabilities.

But does the NDIS cover ADHD? In most cases, the answer is no. 

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a common disability. But, the NDIS only covers disabilities caused by permanent impairment. 

That being said, you may be eligible for support through the NDIS if you have ADHD. To be more precise, if your condition impacts your daily functioning to a great extent. 

To find out more about NDIS ADHD eligibility, keep reading. 

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

It's a common neurodevelopmental disorder. In fact, one in every 20 Australians has ADHD. 

ADHD commonly begins in childhood, but it can persist into adolescence and adulthood. People with ADHD often struggle to complete everyday tasks.

ADHD can have an impact on many other aspects of their life too. This includes academic performance, work, relationships, and well-being.

Common symptoms of ADHD include:

  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsive behaviour 
  • Not being able to multitask
  • Not being able to stay still 
  • Being forgetful
  • Disorganisation

We still can't fully understand the exact cause of ADHD. It's believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

Treating ADHD usually includes behavioural interventions, and in some cases, medication. Stimulants or non-stimulants can be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

It's much more difficult to diagnose ADHD for adults than children. 

What Is the NDIS?

The NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

It's an Australian government initiative for individuals with disabilities. It provides the necessary services and support to improve their quality of life.

The NDIS provides funding to people with permanent disabilities. 

The NDIS focuses on providing individualised support. The unique needs and goals of each participant are taken into consideration. 

Support plans are tailored to address specific requirements. For instance, personal care, therapy, assistive technology, and community participation.

The NDIS doesn't only support those with existing disabilities. It also includes early intervention strategies. The goal is to help children and adults at risk of developing more severe disabilities.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) covers a wide range of disabilities, including:

  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Neurological conditions
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Physical disabilities
  • Sensory disabilities
  • Acquired brain injuries
  • Degenerative disorders
  • Developmental delay

When it comes to eligibility, the NDIS looks at how the disability impacts the individual. In other words, are they able to complete daily activities with that disability? One's need for support also matters.

The scheme is designed to provide personalised support. This type of aid helps individuals with disabilities achieve their goals. It ultimately improves their quality of life.

Does the NDIS Cover ADHD?

The NDIS covers a range of disabilities, but what about ADHD? In most cases, the NDIS doesn't offer funding for ADHD. 

To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must:

  1. Have a permanent disability or a condition that is likely to be permanent.
  2. Not be able to complete daily activities due to the disability.

That being said, ADHD can meet these criteria. But only if it significantly affects a person's ability to perform daily tasks.

Note that eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. It depends on the individual's specific circumstances. It also depends on the impact of ADHD on their life.

So, you may be able to apply for the NDIS if you have ADHD if:

  • Your ADHD is so bad that it prevents you from completing everyday tasks.
  • You can't take part in social activities or participate in society.
  • You are likely going to need support throughout your entire life.

To apply for the NDIS, you need to go through an assessment process. This process involves providing information about your disability. You also have to explain how it affects your daily life. 

It's essential to gather relevant documentation to support your application. This can include medical reports and assessments.

If you want to apply, contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

You can also visit their official website for the most up-to-date information. This includes the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and available support. 

What Is the NDIS Eligibility Criteria?

The eligibility criteria for the NDIS are based on the person's disability. The NDIS also looks at how that disability impacts their daily life and functioning. 

To be eligible for the NDIS, you  must meet the following criteria:

  1. Residency

The person must be an Australian citizen. They can be a permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

  1. Age

The NDIS is available to individuals under the age of 65. If a person is over 65 and already receiving support, they can continue to do so under existing programs.

  1. Disability

The person must have a permanent disability. They may struggle with participating in daily activities due to this disability. The disability should be likely to be permanent and require support from the NDIS.

  1. Early Intervention Requirements

In some cases, eligibility may also be based on early intervention requirements. This applies to children under the age of 7 who have a developmental delay. They need early support to prevent the development of more significant disabilities.

If you are not eligible for the NDIS, there are other support services you may be able to apply for. These include local disability support services and mental health services.

Finding the Right NDIS Provider

If you are eligible for the NDIS, you have to find a reliable NDIS provider. Inclusive Home Care can be the answer to all your problems. 

We are a leading NDIS provider in Melbourne. We help our clients with daily living, personal care, household tasks, and much more. 

When it comes to disability support, we offer tailored care services. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing the support you need to live life on your terms.

If you want to know more about our services, feel free to reach out to us. You can also get a free personalised consultation today. 

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