Deanna Flynn Wallis waited years for her ADHD diagnosis – here’s why future South Australians won’t have to.
Deanna Flynn Wallis knows firsthand the exhaustion of navigating a world that often misunderstands ADHD.
“It’s like having a million tabs open at once, and you can’t focus on any of them,” the Wallis Entertainment director and award-winning advocate for neurodivergent South Australians says.
“ADHD in girls often gets missed because we’re conditioned to mask it. We daydream, quietly lose things, or struggle internally with social anxiety. It doesn’t look like the stereotype.”
But she sees significant hope in new South Australian government reforms that will allow specially trained GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD directly.
What are South Australia’s ADHD reforms?
Currently, South Australian adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis must first see a psychiatrist for assessment and children must see a paediatrician or psychiatrist. That can mean lengthy waits and costs of up to $2,000 for specialist appointments.
The state government reforms, effective from 2026, empower specially-trained GPs to diagnose and manage ADHD in both children and adults, significantly improving accessibility, especially for patients in regional and outer metropolitan areas.
Under the new policy:
- GPs will undergo additional accredited training through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
- Trained GPs will be able to diagnose ADHD, prescribe medication, and manage ongoing treatments holistically.
The ADHD reforms build upon South Australia’s recent nation-leading efforts to improve inclusivity for neurodivergent people, including the establishment of Australia’s first Office for Autism and the implementation of the state’s first Autism Strategy.
Reaction to the reforms
Deanna, who was officially diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at 28, says she’d known for a long time she was neurodivergent, but the support to get diagnosed earlier just wasn’t there.
“It wasn’t something that was even raised as a possibility when I was at school,” she says. “It’s excellent that things are changing.”
Dr Siân Goodson, Chair of RACGP SA, says the reforms make the system fairer and more equitable for patients.
“Health data shows families in more rural and lower socioeconomic status areas are missing out on this care at significantly higher rates,” Dr Goodson says.
“Early intervention for children with ADHD sets children up for success at school and throughout their lives. For adults, a diagnosis and access to treatment by a GP who knows you can be life-changing.”
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
It affects about one in 20 Australians, with symptoms typically emerging in childhood and often persisting into adulthood.
Common ADHD symptoms include:
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Frequent forgetfulness and disorganization
- Impulsivity and hyperactivity
- Challenges with emotional regulation and social interactions.
If untreated, ADHD can significantly impact academic performance, employment prospects, relationships, and mental health.
ADHD and Autism: Understanding the connection
ADHD frequently co-occurs with Autism – studies indicate that approximately around 40 per cent of individuals with ADHD are also Autistic, and vice versa. For Deanna, who was diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism, this intersection creates a daily balancing act.
“The Autism side of your brain wants structure and routine, while the ADHD side keeps screaming for novelty,” she explains. “It can be exhausting.”
Growing up, Deanna recognised signs of Autism, but ADHD was harder to identify.
The toll of constant masking – concealing her ADHD traits to fit societal expectations – can be profound.
“Masking is forcing yourself to not be who you truly are. It’s draining,” Deanna admits.
Advocacy and creating supportive spaces
Deanna’s lived experiences with ADHD and Autism have fuelled her advocacy, including pioneering sensory-friendly cinema sessions and dining experiences tailored for neurodivergent individuals at Wallis Entertainment venues.
“Even for non-Autistic people who have a little bit of anxiety, when you feel overwhelmed, sometimes you just want to go to a quiet room and decompress, but it’s extra important for an Autistic or ADHD person,” Deanna says.
Her groundbreaking sensory menu at Auchendarroch’s Oak & Iron Tavern is Australia’s first fully sensory-friendly menu. Customers can choose their own individual ingredients, served separately, unseasoned, and without touching.
“I struggled with sensory overload my whole life, especially with food textures,” Deanna says. “It was very exciting to pioneer those changes because that’s something I really struggled with as a kid and still do now.”
Deanna’s advice for anyone suspecting ADHD
If you’re wondering whether you might have ADHD, Deanna encourages taking that first step.
“There’s so much helpful information online now, and plenty of community leaders sharing their experiences,” she says. “You’re definitely not alone.”
Her key advice is to trust your instincts and seek help, either by speaking to your own GP or finding one specifically trained in ADHD diagnosis.
“Getting diagnosed has allowed me to understand myself better and explain my needs to others clearly.”
Looking ahead with hope
Reflecting on the upcoming reforms, Deanna sees tremendous potential.
“Medical gaslighting is such a big issue, and if you have that relationship with your GP that you feel comfortable and safe with, that obviously makes the ability to diagnose and manage so much better.”
Looking forward, Deanna hopes to see continued efforts to raise awareness about ADHD, particularly in women, and greater understanding of how ADHD intersects with other conditions, including Autism and endometriosis.
Deanna herself, not yet 30, has already undergone her 22nd procedure, including a hysterectomy, due to endometriosis.
“Obviously, we’ve still got a long way to go but I love that there’s attention on it and I think if that grows then our communities can only get more inclusive and amazing,” Deanna says.
Find more information and support for ADHD here.
