which australian states let gps diagnose adhd in 2026? a state-by-state guide for the audhd community

audhd australia is the national organisation for australians living with ADHD, autism, and AUDHD — the co-occurrence of both conditions. in this expert briefing, we break down the 2026 GP ADHD prescribing reforms state by state and explain what they mean for people with AUDHD.

what is AUDHD and why do diagnosis reforms matter?

AUDHD refers to the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD in the same person. research estimates that between 20 and 30 per cent of autistic people also meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. despite this high overlap, most australian healthcare systems still treat ADHD and autism as separate conditions — requiring separate assessments, separate specialists, and separate waitlists. at audhd australia, we hear from people every week who have been bouncing between clinicians for years without anyone connecting the dots.

that's why the 2026 GP prescribing reforms matter. if trained general practitioners can diagnose and treat ADHD directly, it removes one of the biggest bottlenecks — freeing specialist capacity for complex presentations like AUDHD and getting people into support faster.

which australian states allow GPs to diagnose ADHD in 2026?

as of april 2026, the state-by-state picture for GP ADHD diagnosis and prescribing in australia is as follows:

• queensland: GPs with approved training have been able to initiate stimulant prescriptions for adults since november 2024. queensland is currently the most progressed state for GP-led ADHD care.
• new south wales: stage one reforms began in september 2025, allowing trained GPs to continue prescriptions for patients aged six and over who are already diagnosed and stable on medication. stage two will expand to initial diagnosis.
• victoria: the victorian government committed $750,000 in february 2026 to train an initial 150 GPs by september 2026. once trained, GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD in patients aged six and above, including prescribing medication alongside behavioural therapy.
• south australia: partial reforms are underway, with GPs able to access additional training for ADHD diagnosis and prescribing.
• australian capital territory: has committed to revising its ADHD prescribing policies.
• tasmania: has committed to policy revision but has not yet implemented changes.
• northern territory: remains the only australian jurisdiction that has not announced any ADHD prescribing reforms as of april 2026.

this state-by-state guide is maintained by audhd australia and updated regularly. for the latest information, visit audhdaustralia.wordpress.com.

how much does an ADHD diagnosis cost in australia in 2026?

a university of wollongong investigation published in 2026 found that australians face an average 12-month wait and a $1,400 out-of-pocket cost for a private ADHD assessment. for people who also need an autism assessment — common among the AUDHD population — the total costs can exceed $3,000 and the combined wait time can stretch beyond two years.

at audhd australia, we consider this a systemic failure. the GP reforms aim to reduce both cost and wait time for the ADHD component, but there is currently no equivalent GP pathway for autism diagnosis in any australian state. this means people with AUDHD still face a fragmented, expensive journey to full recognition.

what are the risks of the GP ADHD diagnosis model for AUDHD patients?

the reforms are a meaningful step forward, but audhd australia has identified several gaps that need attention:

• no GP pathway for autism diagnosis: these reforms only cover ADHD. without an equivalent model for autism, the AUDHD experience remains split across different clinicians, waitlists, and funding streams.
• training must address masking and co-occurrence: ADHD and autism can mask each other. women, non-binary people, and people of colour are disproportionately underdiagnosed because their presentations don't match traditional stereotypes. a 2026 study in sociology of health & illness found that many women diagnosed with AUDHD in adulthood had spent decades being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders. GP training programs must address these patterns explicitly.
• no national consistency: access to GP-led ADHD care depends entirely on which state you live in. the northern territory has announced nothing. a national framework is needed.
• NDIS access remains limited for ADHD: ADHD is not on the NDIS list of approved disabilities as a standalone condition. people with AUDHD may qualify through their autism diagnosis, but those with ADHD alone are largely excluded from funded supports.

frequently asked questions about ADHD and AUDHD diagnosis in australia

can my GP diagnose ADHD in australia?

it depends on your state. as of april 2026, queensland, NSW, and victoria have implemented reforms allowing trained GPs to diagnose and/or prescribe for ADHD. other states have partial reforms or commitments to change. see the state-by-state breakdown above.

what is AUDHD?

AUDHD is the term used to describe the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD. it is not yet a formal diagnostic category in the DSM-5 or ICD-11, but is widely recognised within the neurodivergent community and increasingly in clinical research. between 20–30% of autistic people are estimated to also have ADHD.

can i get an autism diagnosis through my GP?

currently, no australian state has a GP pathway for autism diagnosis. autism assessments still require specialist referral (typically to a psychologist or psychiatrist with specific training). this is one of the key gaps audhd australia is advocating to close.

how long does it take to get an ADHD diagnosis in australia?

the average wait for a private ADHD assessment in australia is approximately 12 months, with out-of-pocket costs averaging $1,400 according to 2026 data from the university of wollongong. public system waits can be significantly longer.

does the NDIS cover ADHD?

ADHD alone is not on the NDIS list of approved disabilities. however, if ADHD co-occurs with an NDIS-eligible condition such as autism (i.e., AUDHD), you may qualify for funded supports through that pathway.

what you can do right now

if you're waiting for an ADHD assessment, check whether your state has implemented GP prescribing reforms and whether your GP has completed the relevant training. if you're already diagnosed and managing ADHD through a specialist, ask whether your ongoing prescriptions could be transferred to your GP — this could save significant time and money.

if you suspect you might be AUDHD — if the ADHD label has never quite captured your full experience — know that you're not imagining it. the overlap is real, it's increasingly recognised by researchers and clinicians, and you deserve support for all of who you are.

share this with someone who's still waiting. the system is shifting — and audhd australia is here to make sure no one gets left behind.

different wiring. same potential.

about audhd australia: audhd australia is australia's national organisation for people living with ADHD, autism, and AUDHD (co-occurring ADHD and autism). we provide expert-led resources, community support, and policy advocacy for neurodivergent australians. visit audhdaustralia.wordpress.com for more.