Is ADHD a Disability in Australia, Under the NDIS?

What Actually Determines Eligibility — and How Zyto Supports ADHD Functionally

Table of Contents

ADHD and the NDIS: The Reality

ADHD can qualify as a disability under the NDIS, but diagnosis alone is not enough.

To be eligible, the individual must prove that ADHD causes a permanent and substantial functional impairment in areas such as:

• Learning
  
  

• Communication
  
  

• Social interaction
  
  

• Self-management
  
  

• Mobility or self-care
  
  

There is no automatic eligibility. Every case is assessed individually based on evidence — not labels.

Current ADHD Access Data

According to the Australian Senate’s report on ADHD:

• Only 188 participants list ADHD as their primary disability
  
  

• 4,676 participants list it as a secondary condition
  
  

• Eligibility often depends on co-occurring conditions (e.g., autism, intellectual disability)

NDIS Requirements for ADHD Access

To qualify under the NDIS, applicants must:

1. Demonstrate that ADHD causes lifelong and substantial impairment
   
   

2. Provide clinical documentation outlining functional limitations
   
   

3. Undergo an NDIS functional assessment, not just a diagnostic report
   
   

2023 NDIS Reform: A Critical Shift

The 2023 review of the NDIS recommended a functional-impact model, rather than diagnosis-based lists. This could mean improved access for people with ADHD — if the real-world impairments are clearly documented and intervention goals are structured.

What Support Can You Get Through the NDIS for ADHD?

If approved, the NDIS can fund a broad set of supports, including:

Therapeutic supports:

• Psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour therapy
  
  

Assistive technology:

• Noise-cancelling headphones, task timers, planning tools
  
  

Skill-building and education:

• Specialist tutors, classroom aides, emotional regulation programs
  
  

Daily support:

• Workers to help with routines, household tasks, and transitions
  
  

Workplace assistance:

• Job coaches, employment support workers, environment adaptations
  
  

Community access:

• Support for engaging in social and recreational activities
  
  

Cognitive and behavioural support:

• Targeted therapy to improve executive function and decision-making
  
  

Early intervention:

• Targeted supports for children to avoid school disengagement
  
  

What Can Exercise Physiology Do for ADHD?

Zyto’s Exercise Physiologists deliver tailored physical activity programs that directly target the neurochemical and functional symptoms of ADHD.

Neurochemical Impact

Exercise increases dopamine and norepinephrine — the same neurotransmitters targeted by ADHD medication — improving focus, attention, and emotional regulation.

Executive Function

• Improved working memory and planning from aerobic training
  
  

• Reduced impulsivity through nervous system regulation
  
  

• Better time management and structure through scheduled routines
  
  

Behaviour and Mood

• Decreases in anxiety and restlessness
  
  

• Increases in motivation, task engagement, and resilience
  
  

• Structured exercise helps establish healthy habits in sleep, energy, and emotional control
  
  

Practical Programming

Our programs typically include:

• 30–40 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 4–5 times per week
  
  

• Activities such as cycling, circuit training, or resistance work
  
  

• Tracking and outcome measurement to support NDIS funding reviews
  
  

Holistic ADHD Support

Exercise physiology is also effective in managing ADHD comorbidities like:

• Anxiety disorders
  
  

• Sleep dysfunction
  
  

• Depression
  
  

• Obesity and metabolic disruption from ADHD medications
  
  

Final Word: Does ADHD Qualify for the NDIS?

Yes — if you prove it results in permanent, significant functional limitations. The focus is not on the diagnosis, but on the functional impact and the need for lifelong support.

Zyto works directly with:

• Parents of children with ADHD
  
  

• Adults navigating NDIS application processes
  
  

• GPs and allied health teams to provide documentation and evidence
  
  

• Support coordinators and plan managers for ongoing outcome reporting
  
  

If You’re Managing ADHD and Need Evidence-Based Support — We Can Help.

Whether you're preparing an NDIS application or already approved and need real outcomes, Zyto’s clinicians are ready to deliver targeted therapy — not general advice.

References

1. Leap in! ADHD & NDIS: https://www.leapin.com.au/news/adhd-ndis-eligibility-questions-answered/
   

2. Senate Inquiry – ADHD and the NDIS: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ADHD/Report/Chapter_7_-_ADHD_under_the_NDI
   

3. NDIS Eligibility Criteria: https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
   

4. Like Family – ADHD & NDIS Funding: https://likefamily.com.au/blog/adhd-covered-ndis/
   

5. ND Mental Health Services – ADHD & NDIS: https://ndmhs.com.au/does-ndis-cover-adhd/
   

6. ADHD Foundation – NDIS Information: https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd-and-ndis
   

7. Exercise Right – ADHD & Exercise: https://exerciseright.com.au/adhd-and-physical-activity/
   

8. CHADD ADHD & Exercise White Paper: https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Exercise.pdf
   

9. PMC Research on ADHD and Exercise: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6945516/
   

10. Urban Health HQ – ADHD and Movement Therapy: https://urbanhealthhq.com.au/2025/01/17/benefits-of-exercise-physiology-for-adhd-brains/