It just doesn't add up: ADHD/ADD, the workplace and discrimination

Bruce Arnold*, Patricia Easteal, Simon Easteal, Simon Rice

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Standard workplace conditions that are commonly perceived as neutral and reasonable can discriminate against people who find conforming to them difficult or impossible because of innate differences in neuronal and cognitive functioning. We use the example of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to show that, for people with cognitive differences, it is necessary to seek legal protection from discrimination within a disability framework. This approach can be problematic because of the stigma that attaches to disability and because of the way that provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) are interpreted. An alternative approach is to treat cognitive and behavioural attributes within a framework that recognises different abilities, rather than starting from a presumptive position of disability, in much the same way that gender or religious beliefs are treated.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)359-391
    Number of pages33
    JournalMelbourne University Law Review
    Volume34
    Issue number2
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

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