About the ADHD Foundation Australia

The ADHD Foundation Australia exists to empower and enhance the lives of those living with ADHD and related conditions through practical, individualised support. Our team of dedicated professionals provides compassionate, no-nonsense services that make a real difference for individuals, families, and communities. Entirely community-funded and 100% volunteer-operated, we are committed to transparency, accessibility, and our mission to serve as a guiding light in the ADHD community.

About Us

At the heart of our work is the National ADHD Helpline, a 24/7 phone service offering direct support, referrals, and practical guidance across Australia. We provide in-house ADHD screenings, ongoing counseling, and group therapy programs to help individuals navigate their unique ADHD journeys.

We work closely with policymakers to advance awareness, resources, and support for the ADHD community, tirelessly striving for a more informed and inclusive society.

As Australia’s trusted, research-led organisation for ADHD, we are dedicated to delivering accessible, reliable support nationwide—because everyone deserves the chance to shine.

Where It All Began

The ADHD Foundation Australia was established in 2017 to fill a crucial gap in national ADHD support, offering a dedicated space for community support, referrals, information, and essential services. Our mission is to be a central point where adults and families affected by ADHD can find the help they need, as well as a trusted resource for medical professionals and allied staff seeking guidance and support.

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Our Board of DirectorsOur Valued National ADHD Helpline VolunteersOur ADHD Support VolunteersOur DonorsOur AmbassadorsOur LogoTrusted Information Partners

The ADHD Foundation Board of Directors is a dedicated and qualified team, committed to improving the lives of those with ADHD through the delivery of essential support services. Together, they bring stability, expertise, and insight, shaping a national strategy that addresses the needs of the ADHD community. Our directors come from diverse backgrounds, including corporate, education, governance, finance, non-profit, and community engagement, and are united by a shared passion for making a positive impact across Australia.

Dympna
Brbich

Chair/Foundation Director

Joy Toll
OAM

Founding Director/Co-Chair

Nirelle
Tolstoshev

Director/Company Secretary

Christopher
Ouizeman

Director

Geoff
Hale

Director/Treasurer

Emma
Stanford

Director

Lindy
Hadges

Director

Our small team running the National ADHD Helpline consists of experienced counsellors, ADHD coaches, and other trained professionals. Each year, they handle over 10,000 inquiries from adults, parents, young adults, medical professionals, educators, and more. For many, this service is the first call when feeling overwhelmed, seeking clarity, or needing guidance on the right support pathway. We are immensely grateful to have this dedicated group working on a national platform to meet the vital needs of Australia’s ADHD community.

The ADHD Foundation is only as strong as its volunteers, and we are immensely proud of the team who work behind the scenes in various roles to ensure the Foundation operates efficiently and effectively. Their dedication ensures quality, financial, and governance standards are met across all aspects of our operations, helping us to continually support Australia’s ADHD community.

We rely on the kindness and generosity of our donors to continue enhancing and expanding this vital service, meeting the needs of more than 1.5 million people, their families, and communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your invaluable support.

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ADHD Foundation ambassadors, both within and outside our organisation, play a key role in championing our mission across Australia. As passionate advocates, they contribute significantly to our success, and our ambassador program continues to expand. Updates on their work and achievements will be shared soon.

ADHD

The founders of the ADHD Foundation chose the diamond as our symbol, representing both strength and the complexity of creating something truly valuable. Like a diamond’s many facets, ADHD brings with it a diversity of experiences, requiring those affected to navigate a multi-layered path through life.

Living with ADHD takes resilience, endurance, and courage. Individuals with ADHD constantly balance the challenges of daily life—whether in work, school, or relationships—while bringing unique strengths and perspectives that add immense value to fields such as art, science, and politics.

healthdirect

The ADHD Foundation is an approved, trusted partner of Healthdirect Australia, providing accurate and reliable information for those seeking pathways to ADHD diagnosis, resources, and support.

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Our Story

The ADHD Foundation Australia was established on 1st December 2017, when we were officially registered as a not-for-profit charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and gained Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office, making donations over $2 tax-deductible.

Our establishment as a national “for-purpose” charity was fueled by the need to unite communities, collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations, and create positive change for those living with ADHD.

Though we are a relatively young organisation, our team collectively brings over 200 years of expertise, support, and action for the ADHD community across Australia. Operating nationally in all states and territories, we work closely with government agencies, organisations, support groups, and online communities to raise awareness, advocate for the needs of people with ADHD, and conduct information and support events.

Our ethos is built on teamwork, transparency, and a deep commitment to working nimbly and collaboratively. As a 100% volunteer-run organisation, we are driven by a belief that everyone has a role in building a supportive, honest, and resilient community.

From our humble beginnings with three founding members addressing gaps in ADHD support, we are proud of how far we’ve come—and grateful for the incredible support from our volunteers and donors that keeps our mission moving forward.

Our Mission

To empower and enrich the lives of individuals with ADHD and related conditions through practical, reliable support.

Our Vision

To drive impactful change through collaboration, advocacy, and support—guided by understanding and inclusivity.

Our Purpose

Our purpose at the ADHD Foundation Australia is to make a tangible difference in the lives of those with ADHD, from teens and young adults to seniors, by addressing high-priority needs identified in the ‘ADHD Foundation Gaps in Service’ list. We’re driven by a commitment to our founding vision and mission, focusing on advocacy, support, and awareness to foster a more inclusive society where everyone understands and empathises with ADHD.

We fulfill our purpose by:

  • Advocating for the recognition of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition by government and non-government bodies.
  • Creating pathways that enable people with ADHD to reach their full potential.
  • Supporting optimal health and wellbeing for individuals with ADHD to help them thrive.
  • Campaigning for improved services at both state and national levels for individuals with ADHD and their families.
  • Providing our community with the National ADHD Helpline for help, support, and information.
  • Acting as custodians of accurate data and statistics to stay aligned with community needs.
  • Challenging discriminatory legislation and policies to remove barriers and ensure equal access to necessary support and treatments.

Our work spans community education, collaboration, advocacy, and policy reform, ensuring individuals with ADHD receive fair treatment, evidence-based support, and are not held back by stigma or lack of understanding. By shedding light on treatment gaps, supporting legislative change, and addressing issues of discrimination, we strive to build a more supportive environment for parents, children, and adults with ADHD.

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