Our ADHD Story
My youngest daughter was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD at 14—after years of school struggles that were misunderstood or dismissed. She was quiet in class, so her challenges went unnoticed.
Early School Years
From the age of 4, I pushed for answers. Testing revealed learning difficulties, auditory processing challenges, and working memory deficits. I eventually homeschooled her through Years 4–6, which was a turning point.
High School and Diagnosis
Returning to high school in Year 7 didn’t solve the underlying issues. Eventually, in Year 8, a psychologist specialising in ADHD gave her the diagnosis we’d long suspected.
As a Master of Teaching student, I was shocked at how little I’d been taught about ADHD. The diagnosis was validating—but accessing meaningful support was still difficult.
Physical Health and ADHD
We didn’t know her tummy aches were linked to her behaviour. At 12, she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, but ongoing gut issues persisted. She was eventually diagnosed with IBS and chronic fatigue syndrome.
After finding an integrative GP, her health finally began to improve through holistic treatment—focusing on gut, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
What I’ve Learned
My daughter’s journey exposed me to a wide spectrum of challenges: ADHD, gut health, CFS, learning difficulties, food intolerances, anxiety, hypermobility, and more. That experience has shaped the knowledge I share with others today.
Where She Is Now
She completed Year 12, qualified in massage therapy, studied digital photography, and now works in land management and bush regeneration. She’s creative, compassionate, and conscious—a credit to her journey.
Follow her work here:
https://www.aliciadunstanphotography.com.au
Instagram: @aliciadunstancreative