What is your role at ADHD Australia?
I am the Chief Marketing Officer at ADHD Australia.
Why did you get involved in ADHD Australia?
My son has ADHD, other members of my family and I sometimes wonder if I do too!
What excites you about volunteering with ADHD Australia? What programs or initiatives are you passionate about?
I love that ADHD Australia see ADHD as an asset, a superpower if you like, not just a challenge that is to be overcome. My passion is to help people living with ADHD to thrive and to make others realise that an ADHDer brings incomparable skills to the classroom, workplace and community.
The initiative that excites me at the moment is redrafting our website to be the primary source of information for all ADHD stakeholders and to make it user friendly and accessible.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in how ADHD is addressed or supported in the community?
An easier path to diagnoses and care and certainly a more affordable path to and after diagnoses.
Also, greater funding for research and funding for ADHDA to succeed in its mission.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the theme is “Awareness is Key”. How important is awareness? What does ADHD awareness mean to you?
Most people have heard of ADHD, but often people living with or caring for those with ADHD are unaware of how to go about being diagnosed and seeking care. They don’t know what to expect and they are concerned about the costs and time involved. They may also be unaware that there are organisations such as ADHDA, that can advocate for their needs.
What is an ADHD stereotype/myth that you want to break?
That ADHD is a myth itself, or that it is a challenge and nothing but a challenge. I want people to believe that ADHD is a strength and that its disadvantages can be treated or reduced in severity.
What is a tip/hack/strategy that helps you navigate your ADHD?
- Breaking down big jobs into smaller tasks.
- Mind mapping.
- Plenty of physical exercise.
- The “gameification” of difficult or boring tasks.
What piece of advice can you share with someone who is just starting their journey in understanding ADHD?
That ADHD is a superpower but one that doesn’t come with some substantial challenges. Perhaps more importantly, that you can maximise the benefits of ADHD and minimise the ill effects.
