<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>From February, selected general practitioners in South Australia will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children over eight years of age. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The initiative follows concerns about the cost and accessibility of specialist appointments.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Currently, individuals seeking an ADHD diagnosis often face lengthy waits and significant expenses. </span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bureau-of-meteorology-website-changes-australia-weather-murray-watt/1a192fda-848c-4d92-8d7d-db6621108962"><strong><span>Bureau of Meteorology make vow over website after public backlash</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Josh McKelliff, the father of a 10-year-old son with ADHD, ran into difficulties trying to access specialist care.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I had to go to a GP in order to get a referral to see a pediatrician, we were waiting nearly six to 12 months for an appointment, the initial appointment cost was quite expensive," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The travel required for specialist appointments also presented challenges. </span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/adhd-diagnosis-general-practitioners-south-australia/4f988816-443f-44f5-bccf-e97ed4a82394" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It was going to come down to, would I have to take a day off work, does he miss out on school, he misses out on education, I miss out on a day's wages," McKelliff said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The new initiative aims to address these barriers by enabling up to 100 GPs across South Australia to diagnose and treat the neurodevelopmental disorder. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/inflation-australia-september-quarter-cpi/7e486a55-1073-4e32-877b-bce90690255f"><strong><span>Rate cut hopes dealt massive blow as inflation surges again</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is estimated that up to five per cent of Australian adults and eight per cent of children live with ADHD.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This is a really equitable thing that we should be doing to make sure that no matter what your postcode, no matter what your bank balance, you can get access to the diagnosis and the care that you need," Health Minister Chris Picton said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The reform has been welcomed by GPs.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"For my patients, there's a lot of hoops to jump and I'm really keen to be able to help them navigate this system," Dr Penny Need said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/trump-and-xi-to-hold-trade-talks-on-apec-summit-sidelines/0800cd53-2773-411d-822a-2e9338afc196"><strong><span>Trump confident of clinching trade deal from high-stakes meeting with China's leader</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"And I think I'm personally placed to do it because I know them, I know their families."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Before GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD, they will be required to undergo specific training, including online and in-person education sessions.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>While supportive of the initiative, the opposition has raised concerns about the potential strain on GPs. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This will place additional demand on GPs who are already stretched," Shadow Health Minister Ashton Hurn said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Applications for GP training will open soon.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of</span></em><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>