ADHD NZ statistics suggest there are 280,000 people across genders and ages with ADHD in Aotearoa. Many of these people lack both the support they need and funding, something newly diagnosed young Green MP Chloe Swarbrick is fighting for.

Our society struggles to recognise and diagnose those with neurodivergence, meaning some fall through the gaps.

ADHD NZ have a 5-year plan that includes supporting educators, but in general the education system is playing catch up.

Females stand out as being under diagnosed as they tend to mask symptoms well in childhood. It may not be until adulthood where extra life stresses become prevalent that ADHD can be amplified, recognised and, for the fortunate privileged few, diagnosed.

The 16-25 age group especially struggle as they transition into the working world under supported.

The self-limiting beliefs that may come hand-in-hand with being neurodivergent can play a big part in the mental health of individuals.

The potential of these beautiful minds not being utilised to their gifted capacity is heart breaking, especially with our youth trying to get a foothold in the world.

Despite disadvantages, in the workplace ADHD people can do exceptionally well if they are in a role that they love.

Ask them what they are good at and invite them to help with hard tasks. The ability to hyper focus means they can get done in one afternoon what could take a week for their neurotypical counterpart.

Focusing particularly on ADHD traits, there are many benefits to be celebrated, explained well in this article. Jobs that an ADHD person can thrive in include Graphic Designer, Teacher, Computer Technician and Chef.

Offering consulting, recruitment and employment support to employers and individuals with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, this initiative makes so much sense. There are quizzes you can take here too!

As a recruitment partner at EASI NZ a part of my job that I love is screening candidates for jobs and contacting their referees. I look forward to a time when clients specifically request an out-of-the-box thinker that they can build a job around.

I’m always mindful of matching the intricacies of the job, the individual and the client and appreciate my own ADHD superpowers that allow me to be intuitive in this process with the focus being on a ‘happy ever after’ for the candidate and client, and, dare I say it, to ‘celebrate success’!

Some useful links:

ADHD NZ have a great tool to help see if you could have ADHD here - data collected from it helps them target their attention on where it can help best. 

https://anteris.nz/index.php for help with diagnosis. You will need a GP referral letter.

click here for a kiwi podcaster with some great insights into ADHD.