Em Rusciano, a well-known comedian and performer in Australia, has argued strongly in favour of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being included in the National Disability Insurance Scheme as one of the principal disorders covered by the programme (NDIS).
The woman, now 43 years old, said that she was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and she went on to discuss the challenges she has had as a result of the condition.
Her remarks, which were delivered on Wednesday at the National Press Club, were particularly moving.
An rise in the number of diagnoses in recent years has led to an estimated one in every 20 Australians having a neurological illness.
Despite this, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) does not include ADHD on its list of conditions that are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992.
Ms. Rusciano stated that individuals affected by the condition “require appropriate government acknowledgement and support.”
She stated that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be considered a main handicap under the NDIS.
However, according to NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, the programme was never intended to cover absolutely everyone in Australia who has some kind of disability.
“People whose disabilities are not listed on the access lists, such as people with ADHD, can still become NDIS participants if they meet the requirements set out in the NDIS Act. However, not all people with ADHD will meet the requirements in the NDIS Act to be a participant.”
Ms. Rusciano claimed that throughout her life, people “joked” about her ADHD because of her poor memory, inability to regulate her emotions, issues with organisation, and the velocity with which she communicates.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t until February of the previous year when her doctor suggested it that she took “seriously” the possibility that it would explain why she was feeling overwhelmed and weary.
Ms. Rusciano emphasised that a greater amount of money and resources should be allocated to enhancing diagnostic access for autism and ADHD, as well as to bettering public awareness of neurodiversity.