The ODPRN Citizens’ Panel recently launched an initiative to create a platform for meaningful conversation between citizens of Ontario to discuss drug policy topics of interest.
The Inaugural Town Hall was held on July 27, 2022 and focused on navigating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD and their caregivers shared stories and raised questions on access to ADHD treatment and services as an adult in Ontario. Drs. Melanie Penner and Kyle Lee, two physicians with practices focused on providing care to people with ADHD, were available to answer questions and provide a clinical perspective.
What we heard
During the Town Hall, we heard recurring themes and suggestions that were raised by participants as well as recommendations provided by both participants and healthcare providers to ensure individuals with ADHD can successfully manage their condition into adulthood.
Hear the stories
Below are audio clips from 7 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall as well as 4 individuals who shared their story following the Town Hall. The hope is that these stories help others navigating this diagnosis into adulthood.
Keywords: Mental health; addiction; neurological impairment; support.
Keywords: Symptoms; ASD; adult diagnosis; strategies.
Keywords: Adult diagnosis; assessment; support; stigma.
Keywords: Immigrant; financial instability; adult diagnosis.
Keywords: Adult diagnosis; gender bias; medication.
Keywords: Co-occurring conditions; self-management; treatment.
Keywords: Mental health; diagnostic process; family support.
Keywords: Cultural beliefs; immigrant; managing symptoms.
Keywords: Pandemic; workplace; burnout; financial instability.
Keywords: Parent; non-pharmaceutical treatment; transition to adulthood.
Keywords: Medication; psychotherapy; diagnosis.
Resources provided by participants
Throughout the town hall, many participants shared resources that they found helpful as they navigated their ADHD diagnosis. These have been summarized below:
- Black Girl, Lost Keys: Blog on living as a black woman with ADHD
- Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC)
- D.I.C.E. – Disability Impact on Career/Employment: A self-assessment tool to identify how the disability influences your career, work performance, and workplace accommodations
- How to ADHD: Resources and short videos for individuals with ADHD
- The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network: Research on neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD
- WAM – Women with ADHD Meetup: A support group for women with ADHD