ADHD and Access to Work: Support for Neurodivergent Employees
Navigating the workplace with ADHD can be a complex experience. From time blindness and difficulty prioritising tasks to managing focus in open-plan offices, many neurodivergent people find that traditional work environments don’t always fit how their brains function best. Fortunately, in the UK, there's a powerful—though often underutilised—support system available:
Access to Work.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work (AtW) is a government-funded scheme that provides practical and financial support to people with a disability or health condition (including mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD) to help them start or stay in work. It's run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is tailored to individual needs.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, even if you’re already employed, you could be eligible for funding or support to help manage your work environment more effectively.
What Kind of Support Can You Get?
Access to Work can fund a wide range of adjustments and services. For people with ADHD, this might include:
Specialist ADHD coaching to develop strategies for organisation, planning, and managing distractions.
Assistive technology, such as noise-cancelling headphones, screen readers, or productivity apps.
Job aids and software, like task managers, dictation tools, or reminders.
Adjustments to your work pattern—this could include flexible hours or working from home.
A support worker who helps with managing tasks or keeping on top of deadlines.
Awareness training for your manager or team, so they better understand ADHD and how to support you.
The goal isn’t to give you an unfair advantage—it’s about levelling the playing field so you can perform at your best.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for Access to Work support, you must:
Have a disability or health condition (including ADHD) that affects your ability to work. As a result, you need support.
Be over 16 years old.
Be in a paid job, self-employed, about to start a job, or taking part in a supported internship or work trial. Voluntary work does not count.
Live in England, Scotland, or Wales (there are different schemes in Northern Ireland).
This is a reason why assessment and formal diagnosis for ADHD is so important as it is likely that you will need to provide confirmation of your diagnosis to be eligible.
What’s the Process Like?
Applying can seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s manageable if you break it down:
Apply online or by phone. You’ll answer questions about your job and condition. Here is the link: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
Assessment. If needed, an assessor will talk to you (usually via phone or video) to understand the impact of ADHD on your work and what might help.
Report and recommendations. You’ll get a report outlining the suggested support.
Funding. If agreed, Access to Work may pay all or part of the cost—depending on your circumstances and how long you’ve been in the role.
If your employer is supportive, they may help with the application—but you don’t need their permission to apply.
Why It Matters
ADHD is often invisible, and many people feel like they have to "mask" or overcompensate at work. But Access to Work acknowledges that reasonable adjustments aren’t just for physical disabilities—neurodivergent brains need support too.
Access to Work can reduce the stress of trying to “fit” into neurotypical structures, and instead, allow you to work in ways that harness your strengths—creativity, problem-solving, hyperfocus—without being held back by executive functioning challenges.
If you have ADHD and you’re struggling with aspects of your job—or just want to optimise how you work—Access to Work is a resource worth exploring. You don’t have to burn out or go it alone. With the right support, you can thrive.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing ADHD for years, remember: asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a smart move toward sustainable success.
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