Despite 1 in 20 children in Australia being affected by ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), it remains widely misunderstood and under-diagnosed, particularly in remote and regional communities.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a consistent pattern of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These characteristics often interfere with functions or development and commonly present as difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behaviour. For some, ADHD is pervasive and persistent to the point of interfering with everyday life in home, academic, social, and work environments.

With appropriate support and guidance, children with ADHD can overcome the social and learning difficulties that may arise from their condition and lead happy lives at home and school — but even when a diagnosis is made, parents may not have ready access to the help their child needs.

In Western Australia’s Pilbara region, a shortage of qualified service providers like paediatricians, psychologists and therapists means that many families, particularly those from Aboriginal communities or with limited financial resources, cannot afford to support their child with ADHD.

To address this lack of awareness and support, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation has awarded a Community Grant to a joint initiative run by ADHD WA (a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting families and individuals through research-informed training, support and information that assists and empowers people with ADHD) and Pilbara for Purpose — the local peak membership body for community services organisations in WA’s Pilbara region.

Karen Armstrong, CEO of Pilbara for Purpose, said the initial focus of the project is a series of training sessions delivered by a qualified neuropsychologist and an experienced educator from ADHD WA, designed to help carers, educators, and parents recognise the signs of children struggling with ADHD and be provided with the understanding and the tools to find ways to support them at home and in the classroom.

“We are grateful for the funding received to deliver this important training in Tom Price/Paraburdoo. We hope to secure further funding to deliver this training to other regional communities in the Pilbara as well as offer the training on a more regular basis across the Pilbara, acknowledging the transient nature of communities across the region.”

Published: April 2024

SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND BUILDING SUPPORT FOR ADHD IN THE PILBARA