Year 11 MLC student Vicky was selected to represent Australia at the Future Problem Solving (FPS) International Finals in the United States with The Eureka Project, her advocacy initiative focused on the underdiagnosis of ADHD and Autism in girls.
Joining the world’s top FPS students at Indiana University, Vicky presented her research on how ADHD and Autism can present differently in girls.
Through FPS Community Projects, students identify real-world issues and create practical solutions. Vicky’s project included a comprehensive toolkit for parents and teachers and a detailed research paper addressing gaps in current research and understanding.
To produce the Eureka Project, Vicky drew on her personal experience, as well as extensive interviews and research conducted over two years.
“I was diagnosed late with ADHD,” Vicky said. “As I spoke to my female friends, I increasingly realised that many of them were also diagnosed late for ADHD, a condition that was more readily recognised and supported in boys.”
At the FPS International Finals, Vicky enjoyed the opportunity to discuss her work with families and educators from around the world.
“This topic is so close to people’s hearts,” she said. “I was able to instantly connect with hundreds of strangers from different walks of life and different parts of the world.”
MLC Learning Diversity Teacher Kathy Bernardi acknowledged the significance of Vicky’s achievements.
“Her project was one of a very small number selected to attend the International Finals, and the quality of her work was amazing,” she said.
Vicky is grateful for the support of MLC teachers like Ms Bernardi who guided her through the process.
“Their enthusiasm, encouragement and meticulous feedback have grown this project to what it is now,” she said. “MLC has also jumpstarted my advocacy journey. I would not have started The Eureka Project if I hadn’t been part of Future Problem Solving through MLC’s Enrichment program.”
The Eureka Project has already reached audiences well beyond the classroom. She was invited as the only youth presenter at the International Coalition of Girls Schools Symposium hosted at MLC. Vicky also presented at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit and worked with the Stanford Network for K-12 Neurodiversity Education and Advocacy to help distribute adapted resources to clinics across the United States.
“These experiences made a huge difference to her outreach work, and it was wonderful to see her confidence and presentation skills grow,” said Ms Bernardi.
Asked what advice she would give other students considering challenges like Future Problem Solving, Vicky encouraged them to be bold.
“Think big and make opportunities for yourself,” she said. “I was initially scared to ask for a lot of these opportunities, but I still took that initiative anyway and I am so grateful I did. I’ve learnt that it really doesn’t hurt to try.”
Vicky’s advocacy work continues, including leading the International Team at Stanford NNEA, a youth advocacy group to help neurodivergent people, while continuing to write and publish her research.
Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) is one of Australia’s most successful and innovative schools and is internationally renowned for its extensive […]