Hi all! Welcome to week 3 of Neurodiversity and Wellness. Today I am going to talk/vent about the frustrations of getting a family doctor here in Ontario.
As someone with ADHD even the simplest of tasks can turn into daunting challenges. But when it comes to essential services like healthcare, the hurdles need attention and urgent redressal. One such plight is the worst doctor-patient ratio in Canada, which significantly impacts those of us in Ontario.
Canada, unfortunately, takes the lead among all G7 countries with an alarming statistic – merely 24 doctors per 10,000 Canadians. This lack of sufficient healthcare providers becomes even more critical when one considers that approximately 6.5 million Canadians live without a family physician. It’s enough to take a toll on any person’s health, but when you’re neurodivergent, which approximately 10 million Canadians are, these challenges are heightened.
Executive dysfunction is a common trait in many neurodivergent individuals. It affects the ability to plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage tasks. When a neurodivergent individual is expected to navigate an already complex and bureaucratic healthcare system, the challenge is significantly exacerbated.
Let’s illustrate this with the process of finding a doctor in Ontario. You must usually find a medical practice accepting new patients, call for an initial appointment, accurately communicate your symptoms during the consultation (often under time constraints), listen and understand the doctor’s feedback, remember all specifics about medication or next steps, and keep track of future appointments or follow-ups.
This sequence, demanding for any patient, can be especially challenging for a neurodivergent individual due to executive dysfunction. Task initiation, working memory, emotional control, and sustained attention are all areas potentially affected, making the healthcare landscape navigated by neurodivergent individuals a rocky road rather an orderly path.
Many neurodivergent millennials like myself often struggle to find help. The stringent procedures, long wait times, or lack of understanding from some health professionals about neurodivergent conditions can deter us from seeking out help in the first place. This gap could easily lead to neurodivergent individuals, living without comprehensive healthcare coverage, and essentially struggling alone.
As a country, Canada needs to address this dismal healthcare math. Understanding and empathy need to be woven into the healthcare system’s fabric, making processes smoother and more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. A more effective system aims to improve the doctor-patient ratio while making healthcare not only available but also approachable to these vulnerable groups.
Our health matters just as much as anyone else’s, but our unique needs require recognition, understanding, and a commitment from our healthcare services to shape an infrastructure that respects and caters to our differences. It is a challenge that has long been overlooked, but as we advocate for more inclusion in society, we must also champion for equitability and understanding in the Canadian healthcare landscape.
In doing so, we can construct a country where being neurodivergent doesn’t signify being at risk, and finding a doctor isn’t an insurmountable task but rather a trusted and supportive journey. The time for change is now, and the need is evident. Let’s continue to advocate for a healthcare system that caters to all its citizens equally.
Thank you for listening to me vent everyone! Tune in next week when I discuss the steps I took to understand where I am starting from. Thanks and have a great week!
Best,
@neurodivergentBCBA