Start with the individual, not an eligibility list
ADHD and autism describe different conditions, and people within either group can have very different experiences. NIMH provides separate information resources for each. Neither a diagnosis label nor inclusion in an online list guarantees an ESA letter or a housing accommodation.
Ask an appropriately qualified professional to consider your actual circumstances and the purpose of the request.
Describe both support and demands
Explain what the animal’s presence changes in your daily life. Discuss routines, sensory preferences, supervision, costs, and any difficulties with care that are relevant to you. An honest account includes situations in which the animal does not help or creates additional demands.
If the request concerns a child or young person, involve the appropriate care team and responsible adult while respecting the young person’s needs and applicable consent arrangements. Avoid choosing an animal solely because a breed list promises a result for everyone with a diagnosis.
Separate the requested setting
A housing accommodation, classroom question, and employment request involve different processes. Tell the clinician which setting matters and provide the actual documentation instructions. A letter prepared for an apartment should not be represented as automatic school or workplace permission.
If documentation is appropriate, retain the original and use the relevant request process. Our children’s guide, college housing guide, and workplace guide explain those practical distinctions. Continue needed clinical or educational support rather than treating the letter as a substitute.
Sources & reading notes
Sources consulted September 8, 2026. Source addresses are provided as text for reference. General information does not replace individual medical or legal advice.
NIMH — Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorderhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
NIMH — Autism Spectrum Disorderhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd