ADHD will be the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry.

Senators from across the political spectrum will be conducting a new parliamentary inquiry on the impact of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Approximately one in 20 Australians are believed to have ADHD, with many adult women being diagnosed after being overlooked in their childhood. 

The inquiry will be investigating the wide-ranging remit of the disorder, including huge waitlists, the role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and how sexism affects the way women and non-binary people are diagnosed and treated. 

The senators will also hear from those with ADHD and experts in the field before making recommendations to the federal government. 

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John says the inquiry is a win for the ADHD community.

“The serious long-term impacts of ADHD are well-established, yet we have not seen a single substantive conversation about the condition in parliament over the past five years,” Steele-John said.

“We must urgently address the gap between what the ADHD community needs and what it’s actually receiving.”