Overdiagnosis is not a problem, but misdiagnosis may be as people are driven into the private sector by long waits, and sadly, missed diagnoses remain common —Tamsin Ford
Experts are warning that far from being over-diagnosed, people with ADHD are waiting too long for assessment, support and treatment.
To get my son’s ASD and ADHD diagnosed I’ve spent over $5k, tens of hours of calls, interviews, meetings and sessions) just in diagnosis costs (and about $21k in occupational and psychological support) in order to prove the bleeding obvious to the state in order order to have him placed in a support school.
And that’s whilst supporting his daily needs and working full time (and God knows how much OT).
It’s not an easy road. The costs are prohibitive and I live in a country where neither private health nor the “universal” healthcare covers the cost of specialists and treatments.
It’s no surprise it’s underdiagnosed let alone treated.
And that’s whilst dealing with my other kid suicide attempts and my partners chronic health condition (lots of neurological specialists).
It’s a hard road
That is why I suggest it be a state-thing, where you are obligated (and covered).
EDIT: Also, how insensitive of me, sorry you had to go through all that, let’s try and make sure no one has to go through it ever again.
Only tens? Luckyyy… I’d probably be able to clock hundreds just on transit and wait times alone.
I toned it down because the truth would sound unbelievable.
But yes I’ve been in the waiting place for a long time.
Doubly hard when waiting is the last thing a kid with ADHD and ASD can stand do… Sigh