Women with Disabilities Victoria welcomes ADHD reform to expand diagnosis and care through GPs.
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to enable GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, saying the reform will cut wait times, reduce costs and make diagnosis and care more accessible for women and gender diverse people with disabilities. The $750,000 investment will deliver accredited training to an initial 150 GPs by September, expanding access to assessment and ongoing treatment through trusted primary care providers.
As a Disabled People’s Organisation and peak body run for and by women and gender diverse people with disabilities, WDV says the current system too often reflects ableism and gender bias, creating long waits, high costs and complex pathways that exclude people from care. Strengthening primary care is a practical way to reduce these systemic barriers and make diagnosis and support more inclusive and accessible.
“GPs are the front door to our health system. Right now, many women, girls and gender diverse people seeking a diagnosis face long waits, high costs and complex referral pathways to see a specialist, and that doesn’t work for many with ADHD,” said Trishima Mitra-Khan, Chief Executive Officer, WDV.
“Gender bias in health means that many women have been systematically dismissed, misdiagnosed or diagnosed much later in life. For many of us, late diagnosis isn’t accidental, it reflects sexism and ableism in how ADHD has been researched, recognised and treated. Removing regulatory barriers and equipping GPs with accredited training is a welcome workforce and equity reform. It brings assessment and treatment closer to home through the health professionals people already know and trust,” said Lauren Zappa, Head of Workforce Development, WDV.
Zappa says her own experience reflects what many others face.
“When I started seeking a diagnosis in my late 30s, my GP was the first person I spoke to. She was supportive, but I still spent weeks trying to find a psychiatrist, choosing between waiting months for an affordable appointment or paying thousands of dollars to be seen sooner. For someone with ADHD, even organising appointments can feel overwhelming. Once I was diagnosed, most of my ongoing care was delegated back to my GP anyway. Being able to access diagnosis and treatment directly with my GP would have saved me time, money and precious energy.”
WDV welcomes this decision by the Allan Government and Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, and we look forward to participating in stakeholder consultations to ensure these reforms reflect the needs and experiences of women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities across Victoria.
About Women with Disabilities Victoria
Women with Disabilities Victoria is a not-for-profit Disabled People’s Organisation and peak body representing women and gender diverse people with disabilities. We are run for and by our community. We advocate for safety, respect and equity, with a focus on health services, violence prevention, leadership and systemic change to ensure all women and gender diverse people with disabilities can live safe and fulfilling lives.
Media contact:
Name: Lauren Zappa
Title: Head of Workforce Development
Phone: 0401 201 709
Email: [email protected]