ADHD Families Are Falling Through the Cracks

Access to timely ADHD diagnosis and meaningful supports remains a significant challenge across British Columbia. It is estimate that approximately 70,000 children and youth aged 0–19 in BC have ADHD (CADDAC, n.d.), yet many encounter barriers when navigating education, health, and social support systems.

These gaps can have lasting effects on academic outcomes, mental health, and overall wellbeing for individuals with ADHD and their families, underscoring the need for coordinated, system-wide approaches that reflect lived experience and evidence-based practice.

32.2% of students with ADHD do not graduate from high school.
(CADDAC, n.d.)

80% of adults with ADHD experience at least one additional mental health condition.
(CADDAC, n.d.)

44% of children with ADHD experience at least one additional mental health condition.
(CADDAC, n.d.)

LISTENING TO THE ADHD COMMUNITY

Statistics show the challenges, but real insight comes from hearing directly from those affected. We engaged with individuals, families, and service providers to understand their experiences and inform meaningful change.

Tell Us How You Really Feel!
With financial support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), we launched Tell Us How You Really Feel — a province-wide initiative designed to elevate the voices of the ADHD community by listening to lived experiences navigating systems across British Columbia.
See our official Press Release here

This initiative resulted in two connected but distinct projects, each grounded in community engagement and lived experience.

Online Survey

243 responses

10+ Virtual Listening Sessions

Connecting virtually with families across the province

4 In-person Listening Sessions

Prince George

Kamloops

Nanaimo

Chilliwack

Project 1

Impact Report

One outcome of this work is an impact report submitted to MCFD, which identifies significant gaps within British Columbia’s current support framework for individuals with ADHD.

The report reflects the real-world experiences of children, youth, and families affected by ADHD and highlights areas where systems are not meeting community needs.

Read the full impact report here
A condensed report is in development.

Project 2

Film Series: Reframing ADHD

In addition to the report, we had the privilege of connecting with individuals and families across the province to create a series of short films. These films amplify the authentic and diverse voices of the ADHD community, offering a more personal and human perspective on the challenges—and resilience—within these experiences.

Watch the film series below

Reframing ADHD: Moving Beyond Stigma to Advocate for a More Inclusive Future

This is a documentary-style film co-created by the ADHD Advocacy Society of BC and Vancouver filmmaker Dave Rodden-Shortt, with support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Featuring the voices of parents and adults within the ADHD community, it explores the realities of living with ADHD—the struggles, the strengths, and the moments of resilience that often go unseen.

Presented in six short segments, the film gives viewers a comprehensive look at ADHD, from the daily challenges families face to the broader social barriers created by stigma and misunderstanding. Designed for service providers who work with children and families, it offers an accessible and human perspective that encourages empathy, awareness, and more inclusive practices.

This film is offered in two formats: an English-language version, and a version that includes ASL interpretation. We are working toward adding additional caption languages over time.