ADHD NZ's submission to Statistics New Zealand for the 2023 Disability Survey
We hear time and time again from those in our ADHD community of the challenges of getting the support required to enable them to thrive with neurodiversity. Consequently, we have identified a large “treatment gap” between the need and availability of mental health services in New Zealand.
In addressing this, we have considered different approaches that include:
Recently we published our ADHD NZ strategy 2021-2026. One of our key strategic pillars is to make it easier to get an assessment, diagnosis and the support required by our community.
Included in this are:
ADHD has been officially classified, by the Ministry of Health, as a neurodevelopmental condition. But in the past, it has not been included in the Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) Disability Survey.
International research suggests ADHD affects 5-7% of the population, with a ~2.5% prevalence in adults. ADHD may persist in up to 65% of adults diagnosed during childhood. Yet, in New Zealand, we have no census information to inform and understand the demographics and needs of our ADHD population.
ADHD does not discriminate, and we know that it can affect anyone from 5 years old through to adulthood. However, current research suggests it is under-reported across females, Maori, Pacifica and Asian populations (an estimated 50.4%, 13.1%, 6.6%, 12.9% of the New Zealand population in 2020, respectively*).
Under-reporting may be due, in part, to poor understanding of ADHD, leading to stigmatisation and disincentivising pursuing an assessment and consequential supports.
In addition to our research, we have also submitted to Stats NZ, as part of their consultation on this survey, to include ADHD in their 2023 Disability Survey – the first national disability survey since 2013.
This submission does not mean that we view ADHD as a disability in the literal sense. ADHD is a condition that describes the unique structure of the brain. It enables people with ADHD to think and respond differently in certain situations. In other words, ADHD comes with some advantages and disadvantages - and these disadvantages can have a very negative impact in the absence of appropriate support. ADHD does affect individuals in different ways and to varying degrees, and this submission reflects that.
If successful in this, we anticipate we’ll have better data to help us understand the needs of our ADHD community. We can then provide the appropriate mechanisms for those looking for support (such as assessment, diagnosis, medication and other therapies and support at home, at school or in the workplace). Identifying these needs will also enable us to understand if and to what extent there are gaps in the services required to support our ADHD community.
We anticipate we’ll find out whether our submission was accepted early next year.
* NZ Statistics, National Ethnic Population Projections 2018-base to 2043, sourced 28 October 2021
In addressing this, we have considered different approaches that include:
- building awareness and understanding of ADHD by all New Zealanders to reduce stigma and ease the path to diagnosis
- increasing recognition and early detection in community settings such as schools, social welfare and the legal system, and
- the introduction of collaborative care (task-shifting) in the context of a shortage of skilled mental health professionals.
Recently we published our ADHD NZ strategy 2021-2026. One of our key strategic pillars is to make it easier to get an assessment, diagnosis and the support required by our community.
Included in this are:
- developing and promoting research and evaluation of mental illness and care strategies
- increasing knowledge about ADHD
- mitigating the treatment gap
- ensuring ease of access
- equity in mental health care, and
- advocating for the rights of people with ADHD and their families in this country.
ADHD has been officially classified, by the Ministry of Health, as a neurodevelopmental condition. But in the past, it has not been included in the Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) Disability Survey.
International research suggests ADHD affects 5-7% of the population, with a ~2.5% prevalence in adults. ADHD may persist in up to 65% of adults diagnosed during childhood. Yet, in New Zealand, we have no census information to inform and understand the demographics and needs of our ADHD population.
ADHD does not discriminate, and we know that it can affect anyone from 5 years old through to adulthood. However, current research suggests it is under-reported across females, Maori, Pacifica and Asian populations (an estimated 50.4%, 13.1%, 6.6%, 12.9% of the New Zealand population in 2020, respectively*).
Under-reporting may be due, in part, to poor understanding of ADHD, leading to stigmatisation and disincentivising pursuing an assessment and consequential supports.
In addition to our research, we have also submitted to Stats NZ, as part of their consultation on this survey, to include ADHD in their 2023 Disability Survey – the first national disability survey since 2013.
This submission does not mean that we view ADHD as a disability in the literal sense. ADHD is a condition that describes the unique structure of the brain. It enables people with ADHD to think and respond differently in certain situations. In other words, ADHD comes with some advantages and disadvantages - and these disadvantages can have a very negative impact in the absence of appropriate support. ADHD does affect individuals in different ways and to varying degrees, and this submission reflects that.
If successful in this, we anticipate we’ll have better data to help us understand the needs of our ADHD community. We can then provide the appropriate mechanisms for those looking for support (such as assessment, diagnosis, medication and other therapies and support at home, at school or in the workplace). Identifying these needs will also enable us to understand if and to what extent there are gaps in the services required to support our ADHD community.
We anticipate we’ll find out whether our submission was accepted early next year.
* NZ Statistics, National Ethnic Population Projections 2018-base to 2043, sourced 28 October 2021
