ADHD Global Conference 2024

Hosted by ADHD Australia and ADHD UK, the Global ADHD Conference 2024 was an inspiring and transformative virtual event that took place on October 3-4, 2024. This year, we connected thousands of professionals, parents, carers, and individuals with ADHD to share valuable insights, strategies, and resources aimed at raising awareness and understanding of ADHD on a local, national, and global level. 

Did you miss a session?

Don’t worry – you can catch up on all the sessions below

Conference Sessions

Unmasking the journey; ADHD, invisible illness, and the power of women’s voices 

Dr Oli Sophie Meredith invites you into her world of masking and unmasking, of hiding and thriving, and of well-being strategies as she explores what it means to live fully with ADHD. Reflecting on this journey, she reveals how it led her to guide a multidisciplinary team in the groundbreaking project Hiding or Thriving: The Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of Women and Gender-Diverse People with ADHD. Together, they ask women and gender diverse people to share their stories, piecing together the first threads of a larger, shared narrative in the ADHD community Healing Project. Oli will touch on some of their early discoveries, offering a glimpse into this unfolding collective experience. 

Uncovering critical gaps in ADHD management 

Izabella Risteski, ADHD Neural Coach, will explore critical gaps in ADHD management highlighted by a recent study on individuals’ experiences with diagnosis. She will discuss the challenges, including barriers to obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, the masking effects seen in those diagnosed later in life, and emphasise the importance for comprehensive post-diagnosis support.  

Creating neuroaffirming spaces: environmental supports to empower ADHD children and reduce challenging behaviours 

Rebecca McLinden will discuss how to create neuroaffirming spaces; emphasising environmental strategies to empower children with ADHD and reduce challenging behaviours. 

Mindfulness, disability and mindful support 

Dr Yoon Suk Hwang will explore the core principles and practices of mindfulness, focusing on how these techniques can drive personal change and support individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Dr. Hwang will highlight the role of mindful self-care and the importance of interconnectedness for overall well-being. 

AADPA ADHD guide: an overview 

Kate Tognarini will explore and discuss the newly developed ADHD Prescribing Guide for Australian Healthcare Professionals, its contributors and highlight the key contents along with the rationale behind the recommendations. The guide aims to deepen prescribers’ understanding, enhance confidence, and promote more consistent practices. Although focused on medication, it underscores the importance of combining non-medication strategies for optimal patient outcomes. 

Improving outcomes in Tasmania; inquiry into the assessment and treatment of ADHD and support services 

Simon Behrakis MP will discuss the inquiry into the assessment and treatment of ADHD and support services. 

Effective work being done in Australia; enquiry and findings 

Senator Jordon Steele-John will discuss the enquiry and findings for ADHD and the effective work being done in Australia. 

Thriving with ADHD; overcoming workplace challenges to succeed 

Julie Robertson alongside a diverse panel will discuss overcoming workplace challenges to succeed, leveraging key insights from ADHD professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Building inclusive workplaces; enhancing recruitment and workplace practices 

Julie Robertson will explore strategies for building inclusive workplaces. Focusing on enhancing recruitment and workplace practices to better support those living with ADHD. 

The lived experience of having ADHD at school 

Join us for an insightful session with A/Prof Melanie Porter and fellow researchers on the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD at school. Ashleigh Behrens will present her PhD research, exploring the experiences and relationships ADHDers have at school. Lucas Sach will follow with his honours research, including interviews with females with ADHD, looking at their personal school experiences as a female with ADHD. Finally, hear from Stephanie, a 20-year-old with ADHD, as she shares her journey following a late diagnosis and reflects on her school experiences. 

ADHD and the criminal justice system; Key issues and developments 

Lorana Bartels highlights the underdiagnosis of ADHD in the criminal justice system, with research showing individuals with ADHD are disproportionately involved with the police and incarcerated. Despite these high rates, ADHD often goes undetected, and many are only diagnosed after prison. She stresses the need for better screening and neurodivergent training in the system to reduce criminal behaviour and improve outcomes. 

ADHD Without Borders: Understanding Global Variations and Cultural Insights 

Rob Lowe from ADHD Australia welcomes ADHD UK, ADHD New Zealand and Unlocking ADHD Singapore to join for an engaging panel discussion that covers the differences across the diagnosis pathway, supply chain challenges for medication, post diagnosis support and the workplace and education system. 

Understanding ADHD and Dyslexia

Shae Wissell explores the prevalence of ADHD and dyslexia in various settings, sharing insights from her work and experience. She will discuss effective strategies for supporting individuals with both conditions, emphasizing tailored approaches to help them thrive. Shae also discusses the importance for more research, improved understanding, and enhanced support systems to better serve individuals navigating both ADHD and dyslexia.

Global Conference 2023

Did you miss out on last year’s Conference? It’s not too late to check it out. Watch the 2023 Conference today. 

ADHD Australia