Why ADHD Diagnosis in Australia Is So Hard, And What’s Changing

Late last year, I had the privilege of being featured in both The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in an article that explores a deeply personal and systemic issue:
Why it’s still so hard to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia.

👉 You can read the full article directly here or visit my media page here to explore more features.

It was a powerful moment, one that highlighted not only my own journey but the wider challenges faced by thousands of Australians navigating misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or undiagnosed ADHD.

However… I chose not to share the article right away.

Why I Paused

The feature was published in the days surrounding the Bondi Junction tragedy, a time of collective shock, grief, and heartbreak. In that moment, it didn’t feel right to promote something personal. Even something meaningful.

So, I paused.
I chose compassion over visibility.
I gave space for what needed to be honoured.

Now, with both reflection and renewed purpose, I’m ready to share the article. Because the issues it raises are too important to stay quiet about, and because change is finally coming.

Why ADHD Diagnosis in Australia Is Still So Difficult

ADHD affects more than 800,000 Australians, yet access to diagnosis and treatment remains inconsistent, expensive, and out of reach for many, especially adults, women, and those in rural and regional areas.

Barriers include:

• 12+ month waitlists

• $800–$3000+ out-of-pocket costs

• Reliance on specialist psychiatrists for diagnosis and prescriptions

• Widespread stigma and misinformation, especially in adult women

At The Addvocacy Project , I meet adults every week who’ve gone decades without support, only to finally learn that their “quirks,” struggles, and burnout had a name: ADHD.

From My Son’s Diagnosis to My Own

Like many women, my ADHD diagnosis came later in life, at 47. It was my son’s diagnosis that led me there. As I searched for tools to support him, I began recognising myself in everything I was learning.

Eventually, I realised: I’d been living with undiagnosed ADHD for decades.

Finally my life made so much more sense. Many late diagnosed ADHDers experience a sense of grief, or loss. My personal experience was a sense of relief. 

Getting diagnosed didn’t change who I was, but it did change how I saw myself. And that shift in understanding was so powerful, it became the foundation for creating The Addvocacy Project: a coaching, education and advocacy space for people like me, navigating life with a beautifully wired, but often misunderstood, brain.

The Cost of Inaction

ADHD doesn’t just affect focus. It touches everything: time, emotions, memory, self-esteem, relationships, and career. Without a diagnosis, it’s easy to internalise blame or believe the problem is you.

In 2022, Deloitte estimated that undiagnosed ADHD costs the Australian economy over $20 billion annually, reflecting lost productivity, increased mental health care costs, educational setbacks, and unemployment.

But what matters most isn’t the dollar figure. It’s the personal cost.

Burnout.
Self-doubt.
Chronic overwhelm.
And feeling like you’re “too much” and “not enough” at the same time.

What’s Changing for ADHD Diagnosis in 2025–2026

The good news? Meaningful reform is finally on the way, thanks to advocacy, research, and organisations like ADDPA(Australian ADHD Professionals Association).

National Clinical Guidelines

In 2022, Australia released its first National Clinical Guidelines for ADHD, aimed at standardising diagnosis and treatment, especially for adults.

GP-Led Diagnosis & Prescribing (by State)

• Queensland: From Dec 1, 2025, trained GPs will be able to diagnose ADHD and initiate or manage stimulant prescriptions for adults—removing the need for psychiatric approval.

• South Australia: From early 2026, GPs with accredited training can diagnose and treat both children and adults.

• NSW: From early 2026, GPs will be authorised to initiate ADHD treatment and continue care for both children and adults.

  👉You can read more about the NSW reforms here

• National effort: A review of prescribing laws is underway to harmonise ADHD-related legislation across states, with recommendations due early 2026.

These changes are backed by RACGP and RANZCP, with a focus on safety, comprehensive training, and quality care, not rushed five-minute consults.

FAQ: ADHD Diagnosis in Australia

Can my GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?

Currently, most ADHD diagnoses must go through a psychiatrist or paediatrician. However, from late 2025 to early 2026, states including QLD, SA, and NSW will allow trained GPs to diagnose and manage ADHD care. This will significantly improve access, especially for adults and rural communities.

What is the cost of an ADHD diagnosis in Australia?

A private ADHD assessment in Australia can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000+, depending on the provider and state. Bulk billing options are extremely limited, and long public waitlists are common. These costs often exclude medication and follow-up care.

At TAP , we offer tools, coaching, and free resources to support those navigating the diagnostic process.

What is the impact of a misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all?

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to:

• Anxiety, depression, and low self-worth

• Missed career and academic opportunities

• Difficulty with relationships, parenting, and financial management

• Increased risk of substance use or self-medication

Misdiagnosis (e.g. being treated for depression or anxiety alone) can delay appropriate treatment and prolong emotional and functional distress.

Is ADHD treatment covered or funded in Australia?

While Medicare can partially cover psychiatrist appointments, most ADHD care is privately funded. Stimulant medications are subsidised under the PBS, but only once a formal diagnosis has been made. Coaching, allied health, and non-medical support are not currently funded, though this may change with evolving national guidelines.

 👉 You can read more about funding for ADHD coaching specifically here.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

It's no longer simply about ADHD awareness. It's about ADHD acceptance. 

I’m sharing this article now because we need to keep talking about these issues. Because every shared story reduces stigma. Because every conversation moves us toward clarity, access, and change.

If you're navigating ADHD, or suspect you might be, you are not alone. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or looking to deepen your understanding, we’re here.

Explore our free ADHD Resources , or learn more about Small Group Coaching , where you’ll find support, strategies, and community.

Are you ready to take the step towards finding clarity, confidence and purpose in 2026?

Our next Small Group Coaching Series begins February 4. This 6-week course is for adults ready to understand their brain, build executive function skills, and stop feeling like they’re “always behind.”

✨ Save $200 with Early Bird pricing until Friday, January 23.
👉Learn more here OR Grab your early bird spot now

Until next time,

Caroline x