Last updated 29 October 2026 · 8 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator
In short
How many people in the world have ADHD depends on the country, age group and study you look at. In Australia, around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults have ADHD, which means more than 1 million Australians, according to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA factsheet for GPs).
Below you will find the main Australian numbers, what they do and do not tell you, and where to look next. For the basics, start with what ADHD is.
Key points
Around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD, according to the Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet.
healthdirect states that around 1 in 20 people in Australia has ADHD, and that it is also underdiagnosed in young females and adults.
Statistics describe groups of people, never one person, so they cannot tell you whether you or your child has ADHD.
Only a qualified professional can assess ADHD; if you are worried, start with your GP.
How many people have ADHD at a glance
Adults in Australia
Around 3-5%
Children in Australia
Around 6-8%
Total in Australia
More than 1 million people
Who can assess ADHD
A qualified health professional; your GP is a good person to talk to first
NDIS relevance
Depends on whether you meet the NDIS access requirements
Official source
Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA) and healthdirect
How many people in the world have ADHD
For worldwide estimates and ADHD statistics worldwide, check the Australian ADHD Guideline and the clinical papers it cites.
Treat any worldwide percentage you see online with care, and look for the study, the country and the year it describes.
Different studies may count different age groups and use different diagnostic methods, so figures from two sources may not match.
Ask your GP or paediatrician if you want to understand what a statistic means for your family.
How many people have ADHD in Australia
The Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet gives these estimates.
These are 2013-14 figures, so use them as a snapshot rather than a current count.
Older Australian figures, such as ADHD statistics for Australia in 2016, may differ; check the date on any number you find.
Looking for NDIS support at home?
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
How to check an ADHD statistic before you rely on it
Follow these steps whenever you see a number about ADHD online or in the news.
1Find who the number describes. Check whether it covers children, adults or everyone, and whether it is about Australia or another place.
2Check the year. Look for the date of the data, because a 2013-14 figure may not match what is happening now.
3Look for an official source. Prefer the Australian ADHD Guideline, healthdirect, the AIHW or the Parliament of Australia over unnamed websites.
4Separate prevalence from diagnosis. A prevalence figure estimates how many people have ADHD, while a diagnosis is a clinical decision for one person.
5Talk to your GP about your own situation. Bring your questions and any school or work examples to the appointment.
ADHD suicide rate and mortality rate: what to know
If you want to understand the research on ADHD suicide rate and mortality rate, talk to your GP or specialist about what it means for you or your family.
The Australian ADHD Guideline found that adults with suicidal ideation or behaviour have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA high-risk groups).
Talk to your GP if low mood, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm are part of your life; support is available and you do not have to manage alone.
Lifeline offers 24 hour crisis support on 13 11 14, or by text on 0477 13 11 14.
If a life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).
How many extra ATAR points for ADHD
Ask the people who run university entry directly, rather than relying on a figure you read online.
Ask your school’s careers adviser or learning support team what may apply to you.
Check the current policy on the website of your state’s tertiary admissions centre.
Ask each university you are applying to whether it has its own access or adjustment scheme.
Ask what supporting documents they need before you apply.
When to talk to a GP or specialist about ADHD
Statistics cannot tell you whether you have ADHD. These signs suggest a conversation with a professional is worthwhile.
You or your child have struggled with attention, restlessness or impulsivity for months, and it affects home, school or work.
Concerns have been raised by a teacher, employer or family member in more than one setting.
You have long suspected ADHD but were never assessed; healthdirect notes ADHD is underdiagnosed in young females and adults.
Low mood, anxiety or burnout is affecting daily life; call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if things feel overwhelming.
You want to understand what supports exist; healthdirect (1800 022 222) and the ADHD Foundation (1300 39 39 19) can point you the right way.
In an emergency, call 000.
Looking for NDIS support at home?
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Numbers can help you see you are not alone, but day-to-day support is what changes the week. At TQN Care, our support workers help with routines, community access and help around the home for people who are eligible under the NDIS. See our NDIS services or make a referral and we will call you back to talk about what you need.
SM
Sarah M., Support CoordinatorTQN Care is a registered NDIS provider supporting people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC).
Common questions
FAQs about how many people in the world have ADHD
How many people in the world have ADHD? +
Worldwide estimates differ by country, age group and study. In Australia, around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults have ADHD. For worldwide estimates, read the Australian ADHD Guideline and the studies it cites, and check which country, age group and year each figure describes.
How many extra ATAR points for ADHD? +
Ask your school’s careers adviser or learning support team, and check the current policy of your state’s tertiary admissions centre and each university you are applying to. Confirm any adjustment or bonus points directly with them rather than relying on a figure from a forum, and ask what documents they need.
How many people have ADHD in Australia? +
The Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet says around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults have ADHD, which means more than 1 million Australians. healthdirect says around 1 in 20 people. These are estimates, and healthdirect says ADHD is underdiagnosed in adults.
Is ADHD underdiagnosed in Australia? +
healthdirect states ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in young males but is also underdiagnosed in young females and adults. If you have long wondered about ADHD, your GP can discuss assessment and referral options with you.