Based in Nedlands, we’ve been working alongside the WA ADHD community since 1993.
As a research-based support and information agency, we assist and empower people with ADHD and associated conditions. We also work alongside their families, partners, co-workers, teachers, or anyone who is connected to someone living with ADHD.
We recognise that ADHD affects people across the lifespan, and support children, teenagers, and adults however we can.
What we do
The ADHD WA mission is to provide support and information to members, parents, families, and all people affected by learning and attentional disorders. We advocate on their behalf and work in partnership with others to ensure appropriate, engaging, and effective services are available.
How we do it
We provide a voice
We provide a voice for people who are affected by ADHD and associated conditions. In doing so, the concerns and views of these people are accurately presented to and by the media, clinicians, service providers, politicians, policy makers, and services. We encourage and promote views and positions supported by evidence, as well as the experience of those living with ADHD.
We increase understanding
A greater understanding of ADHD will not only benefit people affected by it, but the wider community as well. We believe in the power of researched knowledge, diverse views, and studied approaches to ADHD — its causes, effects, and treatment. By providing evidenced-based information, we hope to spread positive awareness of ADHD and form more educated public understanding of it in WA.
We support passionately
ADHD WA believes that anyone affected by ADHD has the right to appropriate resources and professional services. We actively work towards making services accessible and affordable to those who need them, so we can all learn, strive, and thrive, together. We encourage and support evidence-based professional practice and approaches to ADHD that respect each client and family’s rights and needs.
Our story
A fresh start
Formerly known as LADS (Learning and Attentional Disorders Society of WA), ADHD WA was officially opened in September 1993 following a year-long, government-sponsored research program. This program demonstrated that services for those diagnosed with ADHD were inadequate, poorly coordinated, and unable to cope with public demands. It also highlighted the insufficient levels of support and information available for people with ADHD.
ADHD WA was founded to change this and start providing highly-professional resources, programs, counselling, events, and more, to effectively support people affected by ADHD. We place an emphasis on promoting research-based materials to provide the most informed support available.
A thank you to our founders
The Hon Keith Wilson, who was Health Minister at the time, was our inaugural president, and Dr Christopher Green was our first patron. The tireless voluntary work of our founder, Wendy Mander, formed the backbone of ADHD WA until 1999, supported by the Office coordinator, Professional Advisory Board, Management Committee and office volunteers.
We acknowledge our founders and thank them for their efforts in creating this incredible, people-focused organisation.
