Hot topics

A lot has been happening in the ADHD space, with global methylphenidate shortages, changes to prescribing and diagnosing rules, new medication approvals and the introduction of roadside drug testing. You can find the latest updates and FAQs below:

ADHD diagnosis 

Q: I am an adult (over 18 years of age), how do I find out if I have ADHD?

Visit our Adults with ADHD page for information on how ADHD can present in adulthood: Adults with ADHD 

Try our self-diagnosis tool, developed by the World Health Organisation: Self-screening assessment tool

For information on prescribing, diagnosing, and the assessment process visit: ADHD diagnosis

Q: How do I find out if my child has ADHD?

A: Our Young people with ADHD page has information about the assessment process and supporting children and teens with ADHD. This includes what the recent prescribing and diagnosing changes mean for under-17s: 

Young people with ADHD

Q: Can ADHD New Zealand diagnose me or my whānau member? Or can you recommend a healthcare professional who will?

A: ADHD New Zealand is volunteer organisation with a focus on sharing information, building community, and making sure your voice is heard. We don't provide clinical services or referrals. However, you can use our healthcare directory to look for a practitioner: 

ADHD NZ - Healthcare directory

ADHD assistance 

Q: Is there any government support available to assist me or my whānau member in living with ADHD?

A: Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for various types of government support. Visit our Family and whānau with ADHD page for details. As a volunteer organisation with no government funding we do not provide financial support ourselves.

ADHD NZ - Family and whānau with ADHD

Q: What rights do I have in the workplace as a person with ADHD?

A: You have protections under the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Employment Relations Act 2000. Our ADHD at work page hosts a collection of resources that address the issues neurodivergent people face in the workplace every day:

ADHD NZ - ADHD at work

Support groups, organisations, and events 

ADHD New Zealand healthcare directory

Q: I would like my service to be added to the ADHD New Zealand healthcare directory. What do I need to do?

A: We are in the process of upgrading our healthcare directory and not making updates right now, but we are keeping a waitlist. If you would like to be part of the new and improved ADHD New Zealand healthcare directory, email info@adhd.org.nz

ADHD and education 

Q: My child with ADHD is struggling at school. What support is there available?

A: Our families and whānau page has information about supporting children at school, parenting courses, and support groups.

Families and whānau with ADHD

You can also find homework tips, ways to support your child to make and keep friends, and Ministry of Education information on supporting students with ADHD on this video page:

ADHD NZ - Supporting children with ADHD - videos

Q: I am an educator. How can I support my students with ADHD?

A: We have free eLearning resources to help teachers support students with ADHD in their classroom, and educators wishing to support tertiary students here: 

ADHD NZ - Managing ADHD at school and ADHD NZ - Managing ADHD at tertiary education

ADHD medication 

Q: What do I need to know about ADHD medication?

A: Our ADHD and medication page has information on stimulant and non-stimulant medications, and how special authority numbers work. We don't provide medical advice or support with prescriptions. Please speak directly with your GP, pharmacist, or specialist about any specific medication-related concerns. 

ADHD NZ - ADHD and medication

Q1: I am travelling out of New Zealand what do I need to know about bringing my ADHD medication with me?

Q2: I am visiting New Zealand, what are the rules around bringing my ADHD medication?

Q3: I have ADHD and I am moving to New Zealand from overseas.  How do I continue to be prescribed medication for ADHD?

A: Our Travelling with ADHD Medication page has advice from the Ministry of Health, Medsafe, and New Zealand Customs on travelling to and from New Zealand with stimulant medication. It also has a section on the processes you need to go through with your medication when moving to New Zealand: 

Travelling with ADHD medication (adhd.org.nz)

Co-occurring conditions

Q: What conditions can you have alongside ADHD and how do they impact it? 

A: There are a number of conditions that can occur alongside ADHD. Our Co-occurring conditions page outlines some of these and how they connect: 

ADHD NZ - Co-occurring conditions

Q: I have autism as well as ADHD. Do you have any resources for me? 

A: Autism New Zealand has shared a series of resources on AuDHD with us, which you can find on our ADHD and autism page

ADHD NZ - ADHD and autism

Volunteering for ADHD New Zealand 

Q: How do I sign up to volunteer for ADHD New Zealand?

A: Our volunteer page lists the current opportunities open to volunteer for ADHD New Zealand. If you are interested in any of our positions, or have other skills you would like to offer, you can fill out our volunteer form: 

ADHD NZ - Volunteer

Supporting ADHD New Zealand 

Q: I would like to donate to ADHD New Zealand. How can I do this?

A: You can support ADHD New Zealand through our donation page: 

ADHD NZ - Donate to ADHD New Zealand

If you would like to make a regular gift, please email fundraising@adhd.org.nz 

Q: My organisation would like to partner with ADHD New Zealand on a project or event. How can we do this? 

A: if you or your organisation would like to partner with us, please email partnerships@adhd.org.nz

In an emergency

If you, or someone you know, is in danger please call emergency services on 111 immediately

These services are available nationwide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

• ​Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) 
• ​Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions.
  
• Lifeline – 0800 LIFELINE 0800 543 354 or free text HELP 4357.
• Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
  
• OUTline  –  0800 OUTLINE 0800 688 5463 provides confidential sexuality or gender identity support via telephone.
• Youthline – chat online or email  talk@youthline.co.nz  or free text 234 or free call 0800 376 633.