Billy and Una
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.
Una wrote to the Royal Commission about the experiences of her six-year-old son Billy, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety.
Recently, a private school expelled Billy for ‘non‐compliance and safety’. But Una believes the fault lies with the school which did not adequately accommodate him or support him in the right ways.
‘He was continually removed from class and suspended. He fell behind academically, his self-esteem plummeted. Spoke of self-harm. HE IS 6!’
Now Billy is attending a public school, but is currently only allowed two hours of education each day.
Una says both schools were ‘quick to mention’ ADHD is not funded or recognised as a disability in the education system. ‘Therefore not much help can be offered to what he requires to succeed.’
‘Also’, Una says, ‘ADHD is not funded through NDIS. Yet we (as parents) have zero funds to access the intervention he requires so as not to become a future statistic to depression, suicide and other mental illnesses associated with ADHD.’
‘Our son’s needs are neglected by the education system, and the NDIS system.’
‘ADHD kids need better support,’ she says. ‘I hope ADHD is recognised for what it is, a disability.’
‘This particular experience has had a huge negative impact on our family finances, mental health, and family dynamics.’
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.