North East ADHD support group urging government to reduce diagnosis waiting times
A North East ADHD support group say they are hearing people in the region are being told they have to wait 10-years before getting a diagnosis.
A debate is being held in Parliament today (20th January) to highlight how the significant delays are having a profound impact on education, employment, health, and life chances.
Sefton MP, Bill Esterson, will be leading the debate and asking the Government what more can be done to improve access to diagnosis and, in turn, the support available to people living with ADHD.
It will also focus on the importance of improving diagnostic pathways so that individuals can access timely and effective support.
Bill Scott who runs 'Adult ADHD support groups North East' says receiving a diagnosis can be life-changing.
He said: "I've seen people just in the last year or so who have completely transformed their lives.
"They've got jobs that really suit them, they're more assertive, they're more confident, they're happier.
"Every aspect of life can be improved and it doesn't have to include medication."
He continued to say: "Somebody said that they have to wait 10-years.
"Now that can get even worse because you might get accessed, but then it will take another few months before you can get the medication.
"That might be an outlier, I hope it is."