Q. I am an adult (over 18 years of age), how do I find out if I have ADHD?
A. To be assessed, and possibly diagnosed, with ADHD adults (over the age of 18 years) need to be seen by a Psychiatrist, or Psychologist.
The first port of call should be your GP to see if they are able to refer you to be seen.
As it is rare for adults to be seen for an ADHD in the Public Health System, most adults are required to be seen by a private Specialist to be assessed for ADHD.
Feel free to explore our Healthcare Directory to find a suitable Specialist to be assessed.
Q. How do I find out if my child has ADHD?
A. To be assessed, and possibly diagnosed, with ADHD children (under the age of 18 years) need to be seen by a Paediatrician, Child Psychiatrist or Child Psychologist.
Basically, you have two ways you could go about this - you could see your GP and ask them to refer your child to be seen in the Public Health System (which may involve a wait, but is free) or you could see a private Specialist (which may be less of a wait, but costs).
Either way, it is always a good idea to first see your GP to discuss your concerns you are having with your child. Your child's school may also be able to help with the assessment process - they would be a great place to reach out to for support.
Feel free to explore our Healthcare Directory to find a suitable Specialist to help your child be assessed.
Q. How do I find an ADHD Coach or Counsellor?
A. Talking with an ADHD Coach or Counsellor is a great idea or you have ADHD - this would give you someone to talk with, and they could give you tools and strategies to help on your ADHD journey.
A lot of ADHD Coaches and Counsellors offer consultations online. Feel free to explore our Healthcare Directory to find a someone that may help. Please note that a lot of ADHD Coaches, who offer consultations online are noted in the Auckland Healthcare Directory (but they help you anywhere online).
Q. Do you have ADHD Coaches that offer casual sessions each month for a donation?
A. Yes!! We regularly run "Ask an ADHD Coach" sessions each month. This is a chance to talk with an ADHD Coach, and small group of like-minded people, and discuss anything that may like to ask.
Currently we have three sessions each month - one aimed at Adults with ADHD, another aimed at Parents of Teens with ADHD and, finally, one aimed at Parents of Children with ADHD. Check out our Events section that details upcoming "Ask an ADHD Coach" sessions and webinars.
Q. Do you have any webinars, workshops or courses that may be useful?
A. Yes!! We regularly run webinars and workshops on a variety of topics. Check out the Events section.
Q. Do you have any parenting courses that may be able to help with my children with ADHD?
A. We regularly offer our Online Every Day with ADHD parenting course. This Online course is run over six sessions and aims to:
- Decrease angry and aggressive behaviour
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Provide tools for the child's future
- Recognise and encourage positive qualities
We run this course three times a term. Keep an eye out on our Products and Services section or Events section for the next term's dates. Or feel free to email us to be put on Online Every Day with ADHD waitlist, and you will be contacted when the new dates become available.
Q. What is a Special Authority Number?
A. After you, or your child, has been diagnosed with ADHD you may be trialed for medication by your Specialist, to see if it helps with your ADHD. Once you and your Specialist are happy with the prescription dosage etc, your Specialist will create you a Special Authority Number, and this is forwarded to your GP, so that they can continue prescribing your ADHD medication each month.
Q. Do I need to have a review every two years to keep my Special Authority number active?
A. It used to be that everyone who was prescribed medication for ADHD was required to see their Specialist for a review every two years to keep their Special Authority Number active.
On 11 November 2024 Pharmac announced: "Decision to remove the renewal criteria for stimulant treatments", as of 01 December 2024. Please see the following link, to see the Pharmac announcment. This means that, if you have an active Special Authority Number, you are not required to see a Specialist every two years to have it renewed.
Q. If you're moving to New Zealand, how can you ensure that you, or your child, continues to get prescribed medication for their ADHD?
A. You'll need a valid Special Authority Number in order to be prescribed medication for ADHD in New Zealand.
A Special Authority Number can be issued by a qualified specialist, in New Zealand, once they have met with you and/or your child and reviewed your requirements.
To make this transition as easy as possible:
- while you're still overseas, book an appointment and meet with a New Zealand-based specialist online, then
- make sure that you have all your child’s medical notes and information from your [child’s] existing (overseas) specialist when you arrive in New Zealand. This is likely to make the review, and issuing of the required Special Authority Number, faster.
Your specialist will then be able to issue a Special Authority Number that will enable you to get ADHD medication for you or your child.
Please note, in many instances, the ADHD medication you may have been able to get overseas may not be available in New Zealand. Your specialist will be able to recommend and prescribe a similar ADHD medication that's available in New Zealand.
Your specialist may continue to prescribe this medication themselves, or forward your Special Authority Number to your General Practitioner (in New Zealand) who will then be able to prescribe you, or your child, medication for ADHD each month.
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