Submission to the Thriving Kids Inquiry
Name: Jesse
Location: Victoria
Introduction
I am writing to share my lived experience with ADHD and suspected autism, and the challenges I’ve faced both as a child and now as an adult navigating systems that were not built with neurodiverse people in mind. My story highlights how critical it is for children to be recognised and supported early, and how ongoing support into adulthood is essential if we want kids to truly thrive.
My Lived Experience
I grew up without a diagnosis, even though I struggled with attention, executive functioning, social difficulties, and overwhelming sensory experiences. Instead of being understood, I often felt like I was failing or lazy. As a child I masked a lot of my struggles — I stimmed secretly, I pretended to be sick to avoid school, and I found refuge in TV rather than learning environments that weren’t designed for me.
I was only diagnosed with ADHD as an adult in 2024, and I am still waiting and saving for an autism assessment. This late diagnosis has meant decades of going without the right supports. I’ve had difficulty holding consistent employment, I’ve had to cancel many shifts due to overwhelm, and I’ve had inconsistent income as a result. I’ve also had to try to untangle which parts of my struggles come from ADHD, suspected autism, or trauma — without proper guidance this process is extremely difficult.
What hurts the most is that many of these struggles could have been reduced or prevented if someone had recognised what was happening when I was younger.
Key Issues I Have Experienced
- Missed or Delayed Diagnosis ADHD and autism were not picked up when I was a child. This led to years of struggling silently, feeling different, and thinking I was the problem.
Adult assessments are expensive and hard to access, leaving many of us unsupported.
- Lack of Supports in Education At school, I did not receive adjustments that would have helped me learn in a way that suited my brain.
Shame and embarrassment stopped me from asking for help — instead I masked or avoided situations, which set me back academically and socially.
- Poor Transition to Adulthood Even once diagnosed, there are few services that support adults with ADHD or autism unless they meet very high thresholds for the NDIS.
The system acts like support should end at 18, but needs don’t magically disappear at adulthood.
- Barriers to Getting Help Long waitlists for assessments, therapy, and support services make it extremely hard to access help when you need it most.
Financial barriers mean many people go without.
What Would Help Kids Thrive
Early recognition: Teachers, doctors, and parents need better training to spot ADHD and autism early.
Affordable assessments: Both children and adults should be able to access timely and affordable diagnosis without years-long waitlists.
Support that continues: Services should not cut off at 18. Thriving kids become thriving adults when help continues as long as it’s needed.
Practical supports: Things like flexible schooling, access to therapy, family support, safe housing, and neurodiversity-friendly workplaces would make a huge difference.
A fairer NDIS: Supports should be based on genuine need, not on strict categories that exclude many people who are struggling.
Closing:
I want kids today to have the chances I didn’t. Early recognition, ongoing support, and inclusive systems would have changed my life. If Australia is serious about helping children thrive, we need to build services that recognise neurodiverse needs from childhood into adulthood.
Thank you for considering my submission.