ADHD Action Group
ADHD Action Group
The Deputy CEO of Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation tabled a paper to the Village Leadership Group concerning the impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Aboriginal children, their families, and their life outcomes in 2023. In response, the ADHD Action Group (the Action Group) was formed. This Group brings together experts from both government and nongovernment sectors to investigate the issue, aiming to leverage available resources within the current service and support system to creatively address the holistic support needs of families.
Scope & Objectives
The Action Group seeks to strengthen community support for families of children with ADHD by providing them with practical resources, guidance, and opportunities to connect with other families facing similar challenges. By working closely with families and community members, we aim to build a more inclusive, supportive network that ensures families feel understood, connected, and empowered.
- Build knowledge and understanding of the local needs and experiences of families of children with ADHD through research and community engagement.
- Develop a collaborative approach with families, educators, and community services to design resources and support that are practical and accessible.
- Foster strong partnerships among community organisations to deliver a joined-up service approach that enhances support for families.
Did you know that 197,400 (4.2%) of Australian children under 14 have ADHD?
ADHD is the most recognised common neurodevelopment disorder in children and adolescents. The prevalence in Australia is estimated to be 4.2% (under 14yo). Around 65% of those with ADHD also have another disorder. ODD is the most common with reported rates around 40-60%. 46% report a learning difficulty, 27% conduct disorder, 18% anxiety and 12% speech problems.
Support for families has been reported through the sector as a major area of priority. The Senate is also undertaking an enquiry into barriers to consistent, timely and best practice assessment of ADHD and support services for people with ADHD with their final report due in late September 2023.
Enhancing Support and Resources for Families
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ADHD Report
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ADHD Training
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ADHD Workshop
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ADHD Pathways Map
Supporting Families of Children with ADHD: Everything ADHD-related is a challenge
The ADHD Action group administered a survey in late 2023 to better understand the needs of families in the ACT with ADHD. The survey results highlighted the challenging journey experienced by families as they navigate ADHD supports and diagnosis in Canberra.
ARACY was engaged to undertake an analysis of, and report on, the survey results. The report can be downloaded here.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: Training for Partners on Designing Workshops and Meetings for Neurodiverse Individuals
On 19 March 2024, Village funded a training session for partner organisations aimed at deepening our understanding of ADHD and equipping participants with strategies to run events that are accessible and inclusive for individuals with neurodiverse needs. The workshop focused on practical insights into ADHD, exploring how it affects attention, behaviour, and engagement, particularly in community settings.
Drawing on best practices from the “Accessible Meetings” course developed by Great Question, the session provided participants with actionable tools to create welcoming and supportive environments for everyone, regardless of their neurodiverse needs.
Allied Health Parent/Caregiver Information Session
In response to needs identified by ADHD survey respondents, Village in collaboration with the University of Canberra (UC) hosted an Allied Health Parent/Caregiver Information Session to:
- Provide information to parents/caregivers about the various roles and how they can support individuals with ADHD.
- Provide strategies or starting points that families may be able to implement whilst waiting on allied health professional waiting lists for specific assessments and supports.
- Share advice about how to access and engage with allied health services when contacting private practitioners
The session was delivered by allied health professionals from both UC’s Faculty of Health and Faculty of Education on June 28, 2024, and it was attended by 23 families.
“It helped me to organise my thoughts and to realise that I need to make some changes in my lifestyle in order that I can be more present and more able to cope with the impact of my son’s possible ADHD on our family.” – Participant
ADHD Pathways Map
ADHD Pathways Map was developed in response to the need identified by 80% of the ADHD survey respondents. While this is not a pathway to diagnosis, the map will guide families of children with ADHD on where to go and when to seek support, and what families can do to prepare during each stage of the process.
If you are a parent with lived experience or a professional who would like to provide feedback on the ADHD Pathways Map, please contact us at village@kippax.org.au. The ADHD Pathways Map can be downloaded here.