At CBHS we help you manage your health challenges. We believe in offering you the services, support and tools you need to live your best life.
Health and Wellness Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Health and Wellness Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.

Navigating neurodiversity: A spotlight on ADHD, autism and the support that’s available

19.05.2026

For many families, a diagnosis of ADHD or autism is the moment things finally begin to make sense. And with 15-20% of Australians estimated to be neurodivergent, this ‘light-bulb moment’ is not uncommon. While awareness of these conditions continues to grow, many feel the system designed to support them hasn't caught up. Waitlists are long, costs can be high and knowing where to turn isn't always clear.

Whether you're supporting a child with a diagnosis, or you're an adult navigating your own experience, there is support available. Here, we’ll focus on ADHD and autism, and explore how the public and private health systems can work together to help cover the costs of care.

What is neurodiversity?

The term 'neurodiversity' describes the natural differences in how human brains work. In contrast to 'neurotypical' (literally 'typical brain'), neurodiversity recognises that differences in thinking, learning, attention and behaviour are normal parts of human diversity, not problems to be fixed.

Neurodivergent conditions include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and others. Autism and ADHD are two of the most commonly diagnosed neurodivergent conditions in Australia and can occur together, a combination sometimes called AuDHD. Research shows that approximately 40% of people with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD and vice versa.

Did you know? The term ‘neurodiversity’ was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. She drew on the idea of biodiversity to say that neurological differences are as essential to humans as they are a healthy ecosystem.

How common are ADHD and autism in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 290,900 Australians living with autism in 2022, a 41.8% increase from 2018. It’s estimated that around 800,000 Australians have ADHD, affecting 6–10% of children and adolescents, and 2–6% of adults. By 2022–23, around 470,000 people were being prescribed ADHD medication, an increase of roughly 300% over 10 years.

This rise reflects better awareness, improved diagnostic tools and a growing understanding that these conditions look different across different sexes and ages. Many adults are only now understanding why life always seemed so much harder for them.

Why are more adults being diagnosed?

For a long time, ADHD and autism were seen as childhood conditions affecting mostly boys. That understanding has shifted. We now know that ADHD continues into adulthood in around 60–86% of cases. For many adults, symptoms were present in childhood but went unrecognised, either because they presented differently, or because as children they developed coping strategies that masked symptoms.

This is particularly common for women. Diagnostic criteria were historically based on research involving mostly males. Females with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms – difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, internal restlessness – rather than the outwardly hyperactive behaviour more often associated with ADHD. Many were misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression as a result. Similarly, girls with autism often develop ‘masking’ behaviours that hide their traits, delaying diagnosis by years or even decades.

For adults diagnosed later in life, it's often a mix of relief and grief – relief at finally having an explanation, and grief for the years spent without the right support.

Why early support matters

two_people_holding_hands

Living without the right support can affect long-term health and wellbeing. For adults with autism, research shows higher rates of conditions like anxiety, depression, epilepsy and even irritable bowel syndrome.

Children with ADHD are more likely to experience accidental injuries, while adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to be impulsive and engage in risky behaviours, have problems with substance abuse, poor mental health and are at an increased risk of premature death.

Evidence‑based therapies, which may include counselling, medication and behavioural strategies, can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life. In short, the earlier support is received, the better.

What does assessment involve?

A diagnosis typically starts with your GP, who will likely refer you to a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. Depending on your state, your GP may also be able to diagnose ADHD directly.

A combined assessment may be worth considering if both ADHD and autism are suspected. It gives a clearer picture and can save the costs and time of having to do two separate assessments. This may involve several sessions and can include behavioural questionnaires, input from parents or teachers, cognitive assessments, a look at someone’s developmental, medical and family history, and clinical observation.

The barriers many families face

Accessing the right support can be difficult. Public wait times for ADHD and autism assessment can be up to two years, with some families waiting even longer. Private waits can also be lengthy, and appointments range in cost, often exceeding $1,500.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can provide funding for eligible people with autism or a combined diagnosis, but assessment can add another six to 12 months, during which children may receive little or no support, sometimes at the most critical stages of development.

The NDIS does not generally fund support for ADHD alone, leaving many families to find their own pathway. In fact, a 2023 Senate inquiry found that the health system in Australia lacks appropriate support for people with ADHD.

For many, private health cover, alongside Medicare, becomes an important bridge while waiting for services.

What is the Australian Government doing?

The Australian Government released the National Autism Strategy 2025–2031, a framework designed to support people with autism.

For ADHD, work is underway to train more GPs to diagnose the condition, making it easier for people to access support early.

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare subsidises GP visits, specialist consultations, some mental health services and a range of tests. Your GP may provide you with a mental health treatment plan, allowing you to claim up to 10 subsidised sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

For children younger than nine with autism or developmental concerns, families can access support through the NDIS early childhood approach. Children under six don’t need a formal diagnosis to access early support, where there are concerns about their development.

From 2028, the Australian Government is introducing the Thriving Kids program, designed to provide earlier, easier access to developmental support for children aged eight and under. Children with low to moderate support needs will typically access services through mainstream health and community providers instead of the NDIS, while those with more complex needs will continue to receive NDIS support.

For people under 25, Medicare may help cover the cost of assessing and treating complex neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism. The process usually starts with your GP, who can refer you to a specialist for diagnosis and, where appropriate, to allied health professionals for assessment and treatment. Medicare rebates are available for a set number of services, depending on the pathway.

It's worth talking through your options with your GP. You may be able to access more than you think.

How can private health cover help?

Private health insurance works alongside Medicare to help cover a wider range of services. While benefits and limits depend on your level of Extras cover and policy terms, you may be able to claim on:

Psychology – coping strategies, emotional regulation and mental health support
Occupational therapy (OT) – sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, daily living, executive function and emotional regulation
Speech therapy – communication, social language and literacy
Dietitian services – practical help with food sensitivities and maintaining a balanced diet, as well as dietary modifications.

A few private hospitals also offer inpatient diagnosis and treatment programs for people with autism or ADHD. Depending on your level of Hospital cover, you may be able to claim some of the costs.

Some people explore complementary therapies such as naturopathy. It's important to speak with a health professional before starting a new approach. It's also worth checking your Extras to see what you’re covered for. You can do this in the CBHS app or the Member Centre online.

What doesn't private health insurance cover?

It's just as important to know where the limits are. Private health insurance generally doesn't cover:

Outpatient paediatrician or specialist appointments (unless part of a hospital admission)
Psychiatrist or specialist consultations
PBS-listed medications, including those commonly used to treat ADHD. Your GP or specialist can advise on PBS eligibility and what medication costs to expect.

Make the most of your CBHS cover

A few simple steps can make your benefits go further:

Check your waiting periods – especially if you've recently joined or upgraded your cover
Review and use your Extras each year – limits typically reset annually, so plan ahead for regular therapies
Combine Medicare and private health cover where you can – for some services, use the Medicare-subsidised sessions first, then begin claiming on your Extras cover.

Self-management strategies

Alongside conventional therapies, many people find a variety of self-management strategies helpful, particularly while waiting for assessment.

For people with ADHD: regular exercise is one of the most well-supported approaches, linked to better attention, impulse control and mood. Mindfulness can help support emotional regulation and alleviate stress. Simple habits like time-blocking, structured routines, timers and consistent sleep can make a real difference to daily life.
For people with autism: understanding individual sensory needs – at home, school or work – can reduce overwhelm and improve wellbeing. Structured social skills programs and peer support groups can also be helpful.

Organisations like ADHD Australia and Autism Awareness Australia offer resources, events and community groups that many families find helpful. Always check with a health professional before trying a new approach.

Celebrating differences

picture_of_brain

The human brain contains around 86 billion neurons, each capable of firing thousands of signals every second, which together form a variety of patterns. No two brains produce the same patterns, and that’s the beauty of it.

Neurodiversity is not something to ‘fix’. However, timely assessment and access to the right support can make a real difference to your health, wellbeing and quality of life. Understanding how the public and private health systems work together can help you access the right support and navigate the system with more confidence.

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Sources

https://www.pwss.gov.au/sites/default/files/Neurodiversity%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

https://www.autismawareness.com.au/aupdate/when-awareness-isnt-enough

https://otarc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/what-is-audhd-5-important-things-to-know-when-someone-has-both-autism-and-adhd/

https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/autism-australia-2022

https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/adhd/

https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/october-2024/queenslanders-urge-for-better-access-to-adhd-care

https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2025/223/8/adult-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-australia-how-its-current

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363932/

https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/late-diagnosis-in-women-with-adhd/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10851652/

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/australians-with-adhd-might-be-missing-out-on-prop