• A Charles Sturt academic uses her lived experience with ADHD and autism to inform her research
• Dr Oli Meredith presented her preliminary research findings at the Global ADHD Conference in October
• The research involved online interviews with 20 women or gender-diverse individuals across Australia

A Charles Sturt University academic is becoming a leading voice for women and nonbinary individuals with late-diagnosis ADHD drawing from her lived experience and her research.

Lecturer in Exercise Science in the Charles Sturt School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences in Bathurst Dr Oli Sophie Meredith was recently the keynote speaker at the Global ADHD Conference. Dr Meredith presented early findings from her research project ‘Hiding or Thriving: The Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of Women and Gender Diverse People with ADHD’.

The conference - the largest of its kind in the world - had more than 56,000 live views from 104 countries.

Dr Meredith’s lived experiences have profoundly influenced her research.

Almost 30 years ago, Dr Meredith found it challenging to complete university, despite being a gifted student. She later struggled with invisible illnesses and felt frustrated that she was not able to live up to her potential.

After being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she found clarity in her experiences, inspiring a shift in her life and her research focus. With support from peak body ADHD Australia and a grant from Charles Sturt University, she is now thriving, leading a cross-institutional team of neurodiverse women and non-binary academics.

Dr Meredith is now dedicated to creating a space for, and amplifying the voices of, women and nonbinary individuals who often go undiagnosed or receive a late diagnosis.

“Despite the concerning evidence of serious comorbid conditions associated with ADHD, the number of women diagnosed with the disorder has significantly increased in recent years,” she said.

“By interviewing women and nonbinary individuals with ADHD, this research aims to explore their self-directed strategies for symptom management, providing valuable insights for understanding and treating the disorder both with and beyond prescription medications.”

The project’s key themes include the transformative power of diagnosis as a healing tool, the significance of intersecting identities and the wearing of multiple ‘masks’, and the sharing of coping and well-being strategies.

These strategies ranged from music, physical activities organisational techniques, to ADHD coaching and medical interventions. Frequently people reported finding the right work environment, and connecting with other neurodivergent people was also key to well-being with ADHD.

The research was conducted through online interviews with 20 women and gender-diverse individuals. Participants reported their diagnosis has been ‘life-changing’ and that understanding they had ADHD has allowed them to be themselves.

“Many participants spoke of experiencing grief and anger for not knowing sooner, reflecting on how their younger selves had needlessly carried shame and all its associated burdens,” Dr Meredith said.

“Personally, as someone socialised as a woman, I found the masks I was wearing to be crippling.

“I was so adept at hiding my true self that others assumed I was thriving.

“It was notable how many women shared similar stories …and despite these struggles, many felt compelled to wear masks that conveyed a sense of ‘coping’.

“The cost of this façade was often a loss of their true sense of self.”

Dr Meredith said that after receiving a diagnosis, most women reported significant improvements in their lives. Women and gender-diverse individuals often thrived in roles that allowed them the space to work in ways that suited their needs, enabling them to be innovative, creative and flexible.

She believes that those with ADHD should be leading the research about their experiences. 

Dr Meredith founded the podcast The ADHD Community Healing Project, which is dedicated to supporting women and gender-diverse individuals with ADHD.

“I am passionate about sharing the stories of those who have navigated educational and other life challenges and advocating for a transformation in current approaches,” she said.

The next stage of this research is an international survey that will be conducted in 2025.

Other academics involved in the research include Associate Professor Sarah Verdon from Charles Sturt, Associate Professor Jane Frawley from UTS, Dr Erica McIntyre from Charles Sturt and UTS, Dr Jackey Osborne from Charles Sturt, Jenne Roberts (independent evaluation consultant) and research assistant Dale Smith.