New ADHD pathway gives Brisbane educators clearer support for children’s needs

A new collaborative care pathway launched in Brisbane could play a key role in improving early intervention and continuity of care for children with ADHD, with potential flow-on benefits for early childhood educators supporting children in learning environments.

Developed in response to rising demand for ADHD assessments and limited paediatric availability, the Brisbane Paediatric ADHD Collaborative Care Pathway enables general practitioners (GPs) to play a greater role in ongoing care.

Children may enter early learning environments with undiagnosed ADHD, and educators are often the first to notice signs of regulatory or attention challenges. Improved pathways to diagnosis and care mean educators may be better equipped to align their support with a child’s care plan.

The initiative was launched in early May 2025, supported by Brisbane South PHN, Brisbane North PHN and Metro South Health, with more than 80 GPs in attendance.

Designed in partnership with GPs, paediatricians and people with lived ADHD experience, the pathway offers a more consistent approach to managing ADHD in children and young people across Brisbane. Two shared care options are available:

• Extended review, where the paediatrician provides periodic reviews and the GP manages care in between
• Supported discharge, where the child’s ADHD care is transitioned to the GP, with paediatrician support available if needed.

Although the pathway is medical in scope, the potential benefits extend to early learning settings through earlier diagnosis and clearer communication with families. The model also includes take-home resources that explain the pathway and reinforce the importance of follow-up with primary care.

Updated ADHD guidance is now live on HealthPathways, aligned with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Clinical Guidelines and the national Prescribing Guide. The resources give GPs quick access to practical advice on monitoring, medication adjustments and common challenges such as sleep.

GPs can also request written advice from paediatricians through a dedicated Request for Advice channel, with responses returned within five business days. If further support is required, children can be re-referred to paediatric care through local fast-track processes.

Initial implementation sites include Logan and Redcliffe Hospitals, with further rollout planned across the region, including Children’s Health Queensland.

Although the pathway is currently localised to Brisbane, its structure may inform broader efforts to connect education and health systems more effectively.

The model recognises the need for shared care and clearer communication, particularly as community understanding of neurodivergence continues to evolve.