Douglas woman believes 'first-hand' input to government ADHD plans is key

Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik diagnosed at 21

A Douglas resident says government needs to understand the first-hand experiences of how difficult, and expensive, it can be to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult.

Earlier this year Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik was hospitalised after experiencing a severe change in her menstrual cycle; a suspected symptom of the condition.

Currently there is no assessment route for adults not diagnosed in childhood so she had to seek a private diagnosis at a cost of £750.

Mitzi says she also pays over £200 per month for medication and treatment which she says is essential to her day-to-day functioning.

She's been speaking Manx Radio about her experience in getting a diagnosis:

In Tynwald this month Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian outlined a £2.8 million proposal for a 'multi-year transformation programme' to introduce services that would allow for diagnosis and better support for neurodivergent people on the Island.

It follows a resolution passed in July 2025 which asked the Department of Health and Social Care and Manx Care to plan for the introduction of all age support and diagnostic pathway for ADHD and autism.

When it comes to the development of the service Mitzi believes people with neurodivergence should have a role.

She told Manx Radio: "Neurodivergent people absolutely have agency and we absolutely should have input into everything that's happening here. 

"When it gets going, you need to then get the people back to say, has this worked? What are the outcomes of this? Did it work for you? Do you like the medication? Do you wish this had never happened?

“And I think that is how we'll build a system that is actually functional with good, solid outcomes."

In response to Mitzi's comments the Department of Health and Social Care said: "Progressing the adult neurodivergent diagnosis and support pathway for delivery in the 2027/28 financial year is the first step towards establishing a comprehensive end‑to‑end service. 

"Alongside this the department is exploring how a community‑based diagnostic and assessment model could be developed to complement a Manx Care service designed to support individuals with more complex needs. 

"This will include looking at developing shared care arrangements.

"It is also essential that the service is shaped by those with lived experience and the department is committed to co‑designing the model with neurodivergent people to ensure it is person‑centred and reflects the realities of people’s experiences and diagnostic journeys to date."

Listen to the full interview with Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik via the Manx Radio Newscast below: