What qualifies as a marked and severe functional limitation?
Generally, ADHD must result in “marked” functional limitations in at least two basic areas to qualify for SSI. For school age children, this could mean that the child’s condition “seriously” affects his or her ability to develop, play, learn, socialize, or engage in other daily activities appropriate to the child’s age. For younger children, this would mean that the child is functioning — developing, playing, learning, socializing, or engaginge in other daily activities — at a level that is between one-half to two-thirds below what would be expected of an average child of the same age. This determination must be made without consideration for accommodations. For example, if the child’s IEP requires a a small special education classroom, consideration must include how the child would function in a typical classroom without special structure or support.
