In this episode, Aniesa gives her thoughts on the recent BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics. Aniesa also talks about the topic of diagnosis, the crisis in the system and why she thinks we are seeing such an increase in people seeking diagnosis for ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The system is broken when it comes to diagnosing people with ADHD. It is not being over diagnosed at all, it’s actually taking far too long to diagnose.
• People don’t want a diagnosis just for the sake of it or to be medicated. Anyone who is paying for a private diagnosis already has a good idea that they probably have ADHD and they are seeking a diagnosis to feel validated and seek support.
• Some of what is shown in the documentary isn’t representative at all. Aniesa hasn’t met a single person that has had a 3-hour ADHD assessment on the NHS, most follow the same format as the private clinics.
• There is a shortage of signposting for ADHD as well as clinicians to diagnose.

• Documentaries have a place in raising awareness, particularly among neurotypical people. But they have to be done in a way that supports the neurodiverse community, not shames them or invalidates them.

• There will be individuals out there that will now be questioning a legitimate diagnosis of ADHD and this is unfair and extremely detrimental to their health.
• All psychiatrists have to follow the NICE guidelines around ADHD, regardless of whether it is a private practice or via the NHS.
• ADHD can cause a wide range of issues for individuals from binge eating to depression, it’s essential people get the right diagnosis and treatment options and that they are supported and accommodated in the right ways.

BEST MOMENTS

“If someone is prepared to spend money that means they usually have a pretty good idea that they have ADHD and they just want that confirmed and they want better support”

“I didn’t come to that decision very lightly, to go for an assessment”

“It's one of those conditions where there are other co-occurring conditions”

“We’re leaving a huge number of people unsupported”

“We really need to think about what message we are putting across”

“We have to get better at diagnosing, we have to get better at supporting”

CONTACT METHOD

www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/           
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/    
www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on pediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of pediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation.

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents.