ADHD masking in our young tamariki leads to delayed diagnoses, and in many cases, results in denied access to proper healthcare support.

Every day, parents and children across New Zealand are being denied access to essential ADHD and Autism support systems due to a major flaw within the Conners Questionnaire, a test used to diagnose children in New Zealand.

The Conners Questionnaire is completed by both the child's caregivers and their teacher to assess for ADHD and Autism. If the child's results from the caregiver's questionnaire meet the required percentile for a diagnosis, but the teacher's results do not align, this discrepancy leads to a failed diagnosis.

This issue is particularly problematic for children who engage in "masking" – the practice of suppressing or hiding ADHD and Autism traits in school environments.

 As a result, children who perform well academically and manage to mask their struggles in school settings are being denied the support they desperately need.

Passing this test grants caregivers access to a range of tools that support tamariki's special needs, helping them thrive in their day-to-day lives.

These tools include navigation, education, coaching, advocacy, and emotional support.

Unfortunately, the current structure of the test fails to account for children who may exhibit different behaviors at home compared to school.

By amending the Conners Questionnaire to recognise high masking as a core sign of ADHD and Autism, we would be extending a lifeline to those children whose exceptional school performance hides their internal struggles.

These tamariki deserve to be recognized, understood, and supported, both in and outside their homes. Addressing this flaw is crucial to ensuring they receive the appropriate diagnosis and access to the care they need to truly thrive.