This presentation will present a ground-breaking report on ADHD, autism and substance use. The paper is both a literature review and a record of the experiences of people with lived experience of 'neurodivergent' conditions and substance use.

The presenter will address the issue from the perspective of a woman who has lived experience of ADHD, substance use and is Indigenous, rainbow, disabled and working as a leader in harm reduction and drug policy, as the head of the New Zealand Drug Foundation.

The Indigenous language of New Zealand has adopted new words for ADHD and autism, inherently reducing stigma and building appreciation for neurodiversity: ADHD is ‘Aroreretini’, or ‘attention goes to many things’ and autism is ‘Takiwātanga’ or ‘in their own time’, thanks to the work of expert linguist Keri Opai ((Te Atiawa, Ngāti Ruanui, Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Porou).

Our literature review shows an elevated level of substance use (illicit, alcohol and nicotine) among people with ADHD, and harms for people with ADHD or autism. And so, harm reduction policy, planning and delivery must be, or become, neurodiversity-informed.

The report describes the experiences of people struggling to get health care for their ADHD, drug harm and diagnostic overshadowing meaning they also experience problems getting health care in general.

We ask the question as to whether diagnosis and treatment of neurodivergent conditions is, in itself, a form of harm reduction.
And cover a range of recommendations from the findings.