ADHD will be the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry, with senators from across the political spectrum set to examine the impact the disorder is having on people around the country.
Around one in 20 Australians are estimated to have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, with a recent surge in adult women being diagnosed who were overlooked in childhood.
No longer seen as just the realm of hyperactive boys, a day in the life of an ADHD-er often looks like forgetting your keys, being easily distracted or chatty — hello, hyperactivity — and missing an appointment (again).
This isn't an exhaustive list of symptoms, just how I've spent this morning.
Focus isn't always our strong suit, but it is something the government will need to maintain if it wants to make a real difference in the lives of those of us with this condition.
What can this inquiry actually do?
Hearings are expected to be held in Victoria, Tasmania and Canberra, though the dates haven't been set.
While it may seem like ADHD is everywhere right now, ironically, there's been such a dearth of attention on the condition that steps like this inquiry being established are well overdue.
When we reported the new inquiry on ABC news' Instagram, ADHD-ers young and old expressed their relief, excitement and frustration that something like this has taken so long.
"In the words of Lizzo, it's about damn time."
"Growing up as a girl in the '90s British education system, I was just treated as stupid and just ignored. I noticed the focus on boys was a lot different; I often wonder how much better I could have done if I was supported and not treated like I was stupid."
"As an adult ADHD person who also has kids with ADHD, this is music to my ears."
"My daughter has been suffering since she attended kindy, til now she is 13, nothing happened, no supports."
What will the inquiry look into?
All these issues and more will be investigated because the inquiry has a wide-ranging remit — how very in the spirit of ADHD.
It will look at everything from huge wait lists to what role the NDIS can play and how sexism affects the way women and non-binary people with ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
The issues facing those with ADHD are extensive, with lower life expectancy and poorer physical and mental health outcomes just the tip of the iceberg.
Senators will hear from people with ADHD and other experts in the field before making a series of recommendations to the federal government.
Is this a first of its kind?
There's significant crossover between ADHD and autism, with many neurodivergent people having both — sometimes described as AudHD.
And just as there's plenty of overlap between the conditions, there are lessons politicians can take from a 2022 Senate inquiry into autism too.
There was significant criticism of the inquiry into autism from those in the adult ASD community that some on the inquiry were not willing to hear from adults on the autism spectrum who were not high needs.
If the committee is to win the trust of the ADHD community, it will be essential to establish that this isn't a competition between who is and isn't "disabled enough".
Following through on findings is another area where this committee could learn from what came before it.
The autism inquiry recommended a national autism strategy be established and that has happened since.
Those with ADHD argue there is just as much need for similar ambition and action within their community.
When might we see action?
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, who put the inquiry to the Senate this week, said the inquiry in and of itself is a win, by and for the ADHD community.
A key determinant of how much of a success this inquiry will be will come closer to the end of the year.
Behind and in front of the camera, Labor is keen to emphasise it has a "whole of government" approach to all things disability and health.
ADHD sits squarely on the crossover between those two things and once the recommendations are made, the government will have an opportunity to put its words into action and build on its work announcing new clinical guidelines for the condition last year.
Ultimately, it will be up to the government to decide if it will accept the exact recommendations when they're released. But it's clear more government attention is needed to address the needs of Australians with ADHD.
And as anyone with inattentive ADHD can tell you, leaving something important unattended only makes your problems much, much worse.
