A UK study has uncovered a devastating truth: adults with ADHD live 7–9 years less than their neurotypical peers, not because of ADHD itself, but due to unmet needs, untreated co-occurring conditions, and systemic barriers to support.
For Northern Ireland, where ADHD services are already stretched to breaking point, this is a wake-up call. Long waiting lists, lack of post-diagnostic support, and reliance on private assessments are leaving families financially and emotionally overwhelmed. Lives are being lost unnecessarily.
What is the Broader Impact? This crisis affects every corner of society:
- Education: ADHD is often misunderstood in schools. Students are mislabelled as disruptive or lazy, leading to poor outcomes and early school leaving.
- Employment: Adults with ADHD bring creativity and focus to workplaces but are held back by stigma and rigid systems. Employers must adopt neuroinclusive practices to unlock their potential.
- Families: Parents and caregivers navigate a fragmented system with little guidance, leading to stress, burnout, and financial strain.
- Government Leadership: Lack of investment in ADHD services leaves thousands without the support they need. Policies must change to address these systemic failures.
Did you know, Northern Ireland doesn’t have the “Right to Choose” scheme like England, which allows NHS-funded access to private ADHD assessments. If introduced here, it could drastically reduce waiting times, provide validated diagnoses, and give families timely access to care. This could be a game-changer for families navigating the current system. 
What can you do?
- Share Your Story: Raise awareness by sharing your experiences with ADHD on social media or with local groups.
- Advocate Locally: Contact MLAs to demand better ADHD services and funding.
- Join Support Groups: Participate in meetings like ADD-NI’s to build community and strengthen collective voices.
- Educate Others: Help dispel stigma by sharing accurate information about ADHD.
- Collaborate: Partner with organisations like Neurodiversity SPARK and ADD-NI to drive meaningful change.
This research is a wake-up call, but it can also spark change. Health services, educators, and employers must act now to build a system that supports its neurodivergent community. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for ADHD in Northern Ireland.
