Sonsia
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Sonsia’s son has ‘severe combined attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]’. He has difficulty finishing tasks, including basic tasks such as eating, dressing and bathing. He can be ‘emotional, short‐tempered and violent’.
Sonsia told the Royal Commission that people with ADHD are at high risk of neglect and exploitation in the health care system.
When Sonsia took her son to a ‘large psychology practice’ to assess whether he had ADHD, the psychologist asked her if she ‘had considered ASD [autism spectrum disorder]’.
‘We were informed that ASD was a ‘better’ diagnosis because it was funded in the NDIS,’ she said.
‘The system for diagnosis has become a profitable business and as a parent you need to be switched on and aware that there are professionals who will attempt to exploit your vulnerability for a profit.’
The psychologist was not the only healthcare professional to suggest ‘it would be better to have the diagnosis “shifted” to access assistance’.
‘Without recognition of ADHD as a disability, there is simply no money or incentive for treatment services. This situation lays the ground for exploitation.’
Sonsia points out that it can be tempting for parents to embrace misdiagnosis to gain better supports and funding, but this can result in ‘lifelong negative consequences’ for the misdiagnosed child, who misses out on early intervention appropriate to their disability.
Sonsia is concerned that the lack of support and recognition for ADHD is setting children up for failure.
‘Our son entered kindergarten with joy and excitement, he loved school and loved to learn, he was a keen participant... He ended the kindergarten year having not progressed at all in his reading and wasn’t able to write adequately.
‘It made us aware that teacher training was lacking in this area, we understand that special needs is not a compulsory subject for teachers, yet every classroom I have come across … has a least one child with special needs in that classroom.
‘These are vulnerable kids and teachers need the training and support to understand how to teach them without damaging them.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.