Over one million – or an estimated one in 20 –  Australians have ADHD. 

This senate inquiry reports on the barriers to consistent, timely and best practice assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and support services for people with ADHD.

The committee heard the experiences of many people with ADHD who have not been able to access the healthcare and supports that they need. This has had lifelong impacts on them and their families, including on their self-esteem, health, relationships, education, employment and financial situation.

The committee notes that not all people with ADHD define their experience through medical models of understanding and acknowledges that understandings of ADHD are constantly evolving. The committee further acknowledges that identity in the ADHD community is a varied and deeply personal experience. People with ADHD may or may not identify with their diagnosis, as members of the disability community, or as neuro-divergent people.

The report makes 15 recommendations for:

• a more coordinated approach,
• affordable and accessible services,
• better quality care, and 
• improved awareness and reduce stigma.

Report structure

• The introductory chapter outlines the conduct and scope of the inquiry, and provides background information on ADHD in Australia, including the health and education contexts, as well as a brief review of other inquiries into ADHD and related matters;
• Chapter 2 examines the impacts of ADHD on society with particular reference to workplaces, education and justice, and takes a more detailed, person-centred look at how ADHD and barriers to diagnosis and support impact individuals and their families;
• Chapter 3 identifies the barriers to obtaining an assessment and diagnosis for ADHD, including the shortcomings of the health and medical system;
• Chapter 4 takes a similar approach to discussing the barriers people face when trying to access ADHD treatment and support services;
• Chapter 5 reviews the evidence received by the committee on how barriers to assessment, diagnosis and support services could be reduced or removed;
• Chapter 6 discusses development of the workforce—including healthcare professionals, education and justice workers—through training and education and other strategies could improve access to care;
• Chapter 7 examines the evidence received about the consideration of ADHD in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS);
• Chapter 8 looks at how data, research and ADHD care models used overseas could improve the support of people with ADHD in Australia; and
• The report concludes with Chapter 9, presenting the committee's views on the evidence it received and its recommendations.