Key Takeaways

• Top story: New Zealand enables GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose ADHD, promising faster, more flexible access.
• Study finds women with ADHD often face longer diagnostic delays and more severe outcomes.
• AI-powered assistant launched to support neurodivergent professionals in daily tasks and workflow management.
• New research questions whether extended test time best supports ADHD students’ educational needs.
• What to watch: Implementation progress as New Zealand rolls out the new ADHD diagnosis policy nationwide.

Below, key details, context, and early reactions.

Introduction

On 29 October 2025, New Zealand’s decision to allow GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose ADHD marked a significant move toward faster and more flexible care. This development is shaping the focus of today’s ADHD news updates. As researchers highlight delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes for women, this roundup examines evolving access, equity gaps, and technology’s expanding impact on neurodivergent support.

Top Story: New Zealand Expands ADHD Diagnosis Criteria

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health announced a major expansion of diagnostic criteria for ADHD, extending assessment and support services to adults up to age 45. The policy change, set to take effect in February 2026, addresses the ongoing challenge that ADHD often remains undiagnosed and untreated in adulthood.

Health Minister Sarah Chen cited research indicating that up to 4.7% of New Zealand adults may require clinical support for ADHD, while fewer than 1.8% currently receive care. “This gap represents thousands of Kiwis struggling without the support they deserve,” Chen stated during the policy announcement in Wellington.

The expanded program will allocate NZ$28.5 million for additional specialist training, telehealth infrastructure, and subsidized assessment pathways. Previously, public funding for ADHD services concluded at age 25, creating barriers for adults with new or continuing symptoms.

Public health experts have welcomed the initiative. Dr. James Taumata of Auckland University described it as “a landmark shift in neurodivergence healthcare policy” that may serve as a model for other countries considering similar reforms.

Also Today: Gender Disparities in ADHD

New Study Reveals Diagnostic Gender Gap

A meta-analysis published on 28 October 2025 in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that women with ADHD receive diagnoses on average 8.3 years later than men with similar symptom profiles. The study, which analyzed data from 12 countries and over 35,000 participants, highlights persistent gender bias in ADHD recognition and response.

Lead researcher Dr. Emily Ramirez stated that inattentive-type ADHD, more common in women, remains under-identified by clinicians. Ramirez explained at a virtual press conference that stereotypes of ADHD as a hyperactive condition affecting boys continue to influence diagnostic practices.

The research found that women often receive multiple misdiagnoses, such as anxiety or depression, before ADHD is identified. This delay affects education, career advancement, and mental health. In fact, 68% of late-diagnosed women reported they “might have made different life choices” with earlier intervention.

Research Shows Extended Testing Time Benefits

A recent study from Stanford University found that extended test time accommodations result in equitable outcomes for students with ADHD, without granting unfair advantages. Published in Educational Assessment, the research tracked 1,200 undergraduates across multiple disciplines over two academic years.

Students with ADHD who received 50% additional time had similar comprehension and knowledge retention to neurotypical peers but did not achieve significantly higher scores. Principal investigator Dr. Marcus Wong stated, “This directly contradicts the misconception that accommodations give an edge rather than level the playing field.“

The study found that timed tests can create artificial barriers for neurodivergent students, unrelated to mastery of the subject. Organizations such as the College Board have acknowledged the research, indicating possible reviews of standardized testing protocols nationwide.

Also Today: Technology and Tools

AI Assistant for Executive Functioning Launches

Technology company Synapse Labs announced the launch of OrbitAI, an AI-powered executive functioning assistant designed for adults with ADHD. The application offers calendar management, task prioritization, and time awareness features, along with personalized coaching tailored to individual executive functioning profiles.

Developed in collaboration with over 300 adults with ADHD, OrbitAI uses natural language processing to convert intentions into actionable steps. CEO Maya Rodriguez explained that the app not only reminds users of appointments but also breaks down complex projects, suggests optimal work windows, and provides timely support.

Early testing indicates positive results. Beta users have reported a 42% reduction in missed deadlines and a 37% decrease in task initiation challenges. Unlike general productivity tools, OrbitAI addresses specific ADHD barriers, including time blindness, task paralysis, and inconsistent motivation.

What to Watch: Key Dates and Events

New Zealand’s expanded ADHD service framework will be detailed at a national healthcare conference in Auckland on 15 November 2025, with regional implementation workshops scheduled throughout December.

The Journal of Attention Disorders will publish follow-up research on gender-responsive ADHD treatment approaches on 8 December 2025, including clinical practice recommendations.

The American Psychiatric Association will hold its annual neurodevelopmental symposium from 22 to 24 January 2026, featuring presentations on diagnostic technologies and personalized treatment protocols.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s expansion of ADHD diagnosis access marks a key advance in adult neurodivergence care, with potential effects on gender equity and educational support. Today’s ADHD news updates also highlight the role of AI tools and research addressing diagnostic disparities. What to watch: rollout milestones in November, upcoming publications, and policy events through early 2026.