Finding Support

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Look for a clinician experienced in ADHD assessment. Depending on age, location and professional scope, this may involve a psychiatrist, paediatrician, psychologist or appropriately trained GP. A thorough assessment considers childhood history, everyday functioning and other possible contributors to attention difficulties, including sleep, anxiety and trauma. [2, 5]

Here are some ways to find support

Getting assessed

Costs and waiting lists can make access difficult. When choosing someone, ask about their ADHD experience, assessment process, fees and follow-up care.

Talk with your doctor about these options and what might suit your needs.

What Australia's ADHD guideline says

Australia's ADHD guideline recommends tailoring support to the person's needs, goals and preferences. Options can include medication, psychological support, parent training and changes at school or work. [5]

Choose one option here that feels manageable, and discuss it with someone supporting you.

Medication

Medication can make a meaningful difference for some people but not for everyone. Stimulants can affect sleep and appetite, and non-stimulant options are available. Discuss benefits and side effects with your prescriber and review them over time. [5, 6]

Talk with your prescriber before changing the dose, timing or frequency of a medicine, including taking planned breaks. [5, 6]

Talk with your doctor about these options and what might suit your needs.

Therapy and coaching

Therapy can help with anxiety, self-criticism and difficult emotions. ADHD or mindset coaching can help you build routines, plan tasks, stay accountable and work towards goals. Ask about the practitioner's experience and what their approach involves.

Ask a qualified practitioner about their experience with this approach and whether it may suit you.

Other approaches to explore

ADHD coaching: Practical support with planning, starting tasks and keeping track of commitments.
Movement and exercise: Regular movement may support attention and impulse control, particularly in children and teens with ADHD.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: A structured approach that helps you notice when your attention wanders and practise bringing it back.
Neurofeedback: Training that uses real-time feedback from brain activity. The Australian ADHD guideline found insufficient evidence to recommend it as an ADHD treatment.
The Tomatis Method: A structured listening program that uses specially filtered music. Research on its benefits for ADHD is limited.

Founder’s reflection

“I found the Tomatis Method calming, and it helped me with both ADHD and PTSD. I seem to focus, get organized, highly creative and get into flow during these programs”

Founder of The Mental Wealth Hub