June 6, 2025
Why the ‘overdiagnosis’ debate harms neurodivergent people
Claims of overdiagnosis ignore what really matters: too many neurodivergent people still face stigma, long waits, and little support.
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Claims of overdiagnosis ignore what really matters: too many neurodivergent people still face stigma, long waits, and little support.
Headlines like “ADHD, autism, cancer: this doctor says overdiagnosis is the issue” keep appearing across our feeds. Media and governments continue to claim that neurodivergence is being overdiagnosed, but if you ask neurodivergent people, most will tell you that that narrative is both untrue and harmful.
The number of people receiving diagnoses has increased over the past few years, but it has to be argued that there are several reasons for this, none of which point to levels of diagnosis being overly high. Rather, self-realisation and general knowledge have changed, whilst underfunding means waiting lists remain long and individual support is still lacking.
When discussing this topic, it is crucial to remember that ‘neurodivergent’ refers to more than autism and ADHD, even though media coverage and public conversation tend to focus only on those. There are many other neurodivergences that are going undiscussed and further underrepresented, and this dilutes conversations and leaves other neurodivergent people behind.
One of the biggest reasons for the rise in diagnoses is increased awareness. While some of this comes from professionals, it’s largely due to individuals gaining a better understanding of themselves and of neurodivergence more broadly.
Those who make arguments about overdiagnosis may also argue that people are ‘self-diagnosing from TikTok’ (or other social media platforms). Although social media has definitely played a role in this heightened awareness, this does not mean individuals are not validly self-diagnosing and/or seeking a professional diagnosis. TikTok played a role in the identification of my ADHD, but it was the start of a journey, not the end.
The COVID-19 lockdowns had a significant and overlapping impact on how people recognised and explored their neurodivergence, especially through social media. Having structure, routine, and in-person community taken away meant many experienced a complete shift in how they were navigating life and their needs, particularly where neuronormativity of the everyday was having less of an impact. While I had been diagnosed autistic 6 years before, it was the lockdown that made me realise I was also ADHD. I would sit at my desk for 8 hours a day, unable to do any university work, and that made me more curious about my other ADHD traits.
Increased awareness can also lead to shifts in self-acceptance. Some individuals may have known there was a difference within them all along, but labelled themselves negatively, or were not willing to see neurodivergence as an answer. Seeking a diagnosis may have come over time with acceptance, or with more access to the neurodivergent community (whether that be through social media or another way).
It is no coincidence that the ‘overdiagnosis’ argument comes just as swathes of multiply marginalised people discover their neurodivergence. There are many groups who are much less likely to be diagnosed, including Black people, others from the global majority, and those from marginalised genders (Prism Reports). For me and many others, it is easy to see all the times our neurodivergence has been missed during our lives, where it might have been picked up if we were not part of a marginalised group or culture.
This stems from multiple places. Diagnostic criteria and their examples have long been written relating to young, white boys, but also from overall biases by medical systems and a lack of good enough training for other professionals who might need to notice neurodivergence earlier, such as teachers.
The increase in awareness of how neurodivergence can look in different groups and the self-advocacy that has resulted from that does mean we have seen an increase in diagnoses being sought and received, but that does not mean there is “overdiagnosis”.
It’s important to understand that the statistics do not argue that there is any overdiagnosis, simply that the level of diagnoses is catching up to what it should be.
‘More’ diagnosis is not the same as overdiagnosis. Testing for neurodivergence is often rigorous, traumatic, and bureaucratic, with several aspects of testing occurring before you are even placed on the waitlist, not simply handed out. For example, the latest NHS data from December 2024 says 224,382 people are waiting for an autism assessment in England (NHS England); the result of chronic underfunding and lack of standardised processes.
Our society shames and undermines those seeking a diagnosis, but simultaneously has systems where only a formal diagnosis is validated. Everything from benefits to bus passes, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), and even carer tickets for the theatre often rely on formal diagnostic paperwork. Trying to get your accessibility needs met is demoralising and exhausting.
If those who argued that there is “overdiagnosis” really cared, they would push for a version of society where support is not label-based, but instead measured by individual need. This is not their focus: their focus is about stopping people from pushing back against systems, and being themselves instead of masking or pretending to be like others.
In another version of society, being labelled by the state might not be necessary. Diagnosis is done through the pathology paradigm and a deficit-based model that is largely not neuroaffirming, but currently, it is often a crucial step towards attempting to get the correct support.
This is one of the main questions often asked in the neurodivergent community. Everyone you ask will have a different answer, but I am of the belief that it truly depends on what you are seeking it for. It may be practical: you need support from spaces that only accept formal diagnosis, or that you want or need access to medication. You may just want confirmation from an outside source, which is also valid.
But, I believe the reason should not be so that other people believe you, it should be for you. Your needs and your neurodivergence are valid regardless.
For some of us, diagnosis is not a choice. It is forced on us by the system without proper consent, or the help we need to continue our lives is not accessible any other way. If you have access to choice and consent, you should make the right choice for you, but do this through proper research and discussions, and make sure you have not read or digested misinformation.
The overdiagnosis argument undermines neurodivergent people: not only does it place emphasis only on diagnosis rather than the support we need, but it argues that the realities that we face are not valid or real. It argues we cannot possibly all be valid, or all really need the care, adjustments, and accommodations we are asking for.
All of this partially stems from a society that does not want people to push against its norms and standards: for neurodivergent people, allowing ourselves to push back on this can change how we live our lives.
NHS England. Autism Statistics, January 2024 to December 2024. NHS Digital, 13 Feb. 2025, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/january-2024-to-december-2024.
“Medical Biases Keep LGBTQ+ BIPOC from Seeking ADHD and Autism Care.” Prism Reports, 6 June 2022, https://prismreports.org/2022/06/06/medical-biases-keep-lgbtq-bipoc-from-seeking-adhd-and-autism-care/.
Claims of overdiagnosis ignore what really matters: too many neurodivergent people still face stigma, long waits, and little support.
Headlines like “ADHD, autism, cancer: this doctor says overdiagnosis is the issue” keep appearing across our feeds. Media and governments continue to claim that neurodivergence is being overdiagnosed, but if you ask neurodivergent people, most will tell you that that narrative is both untrue and harmful.
The number of people receiving diagnoses has increased over the past few years, but it has to be argued that there are several reasons for this, none of which point to levels of diagnosis being overly high. Rather, self-realisation and general knowledge have changed, whilst underfunding means waiting lists remain long and individual support is still lacking.
When discussing this topic, it is crucial to remember that ‘neurodivergent’ refers to more than autism and ADHD, even though media coverage and public conversation tend to focus only on those. There are many other neurodivergences that are going undiscussed and further underrepresented, and this dilutes conversations and leaves other neurodivergent people behind.
One of the biggest reasons for the rise in diagnoses is increased awareness. While some of this comes from professionals, it’s largely due to individuals gaining a better understanding of themselves and of neurodivergence more broadly.
Those who make arguments about overdiagnosis may also argue that people are ‘self-diagnosing from TikTok’ (or other social media platforms). Although social media has definitely played a role in this heightened awareness, this does not mean individuals are not validly self-diagnosing and/or seeking a professional diagnosis. TikTok played a role in the identification of my ADHD, but it was the start of a journey, not the end.
The COVID-19 lockdowns had a significant and overlapping impact on how people recognised and explored their neurodivergence, especially through social media. Having structure, routine, and in-person community taken away meant many experienced a complete shift in how they were navigating life and their needs, particularly where neuronormativity of the everyday was having less of an impact. While I had been diagnosed autistic 6 years before, it was the lockdown that made me realise I was also ADHD. I would sit at my desk for 8 hours a day, unable to do any university work, and that made me more curious about my other ADHD traits.
Increased awareness can also lead to shifts in self-acceptance. Some individuals may have known there was a difference within them all along, but labelled themselves negatively, or were not willing to see neurodivergence as an answer. Seeking a diagnosis may have come over time with acceptance, or with more access to the neurodivergent community (whether that be through social media or another way).
It is no coincidence that the ‘overdiagnosis’ argument comes just as swathes of multiply marginalised people discover their neurodivergence. There are many groups who are much less likely to be diagnosed, including Black people, others from the global majority, and those from marginalised genders (Prism Reports). For me and many others, it is easy to see all the times our neurodivergence has been missed during our lives, where it might have been picked up if we were not part of a marginalised group or culture.
This stems from multiple places. Diagnostic criteria and their examples have long been written relating to young, white boys, but also from overall biases by medical systems and a lack of good enough training for other professionals who might need to notice neurodivergence earlier, such as teachers.
The increase in awareness of how neurodivergence can look in different groups and the self-advocacy that has resulted from that does mean we have seen an increase in diagnoses being sought and received, but that does not mean there is “overdiagnosis”.
It’s important to understand that the statistics do not argue that there is any overdiagnosis, simply that the level of diagnoses is catching up to what it should be.
‘More’ diagnosis is not the same as overdiagnosis. Testing for neurodivergence is often rigorous, traumatic, and bureaucratic, with several aspects of testing occurring before you are even placed on the waitlist, not simply handed out. For example, the latest NHS data from December 2024 says 224,382 people are waiting for an autism assessment in England (NHS England); the result of chronic underfunding and lack of standardised processes.
Our society shames and undermines those seeking a diagnosis, but simultaneously has systems where only a formal diagnosis is validated. Everything from benefits to bus passes, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), and even carer tickets for the theatre often rely on formal diagnostic paperwork. Trying to get your accessibility needs met is demoralising and exhausting.
If those who argued that there is “overdiagnosis” really cared, they would push for a version of society where support is not label-based, but instead measured by individual need. This is not their focus: their focus is about stopping people from pushing back against systems, and being themselves instead of masking or pretending to be like others.
In another version of society, being labelled by the state might not be necessary. Diagnosis is done through the pathology paradigm and a deficit-based model that is largely not neuroaffirming, but currently, it is often a crucial step towards attempting to get the correct support.
This is one of the main questions often asked in the neurodivergent community. Everyone you ask will have a different answer, but I am of the belief that it truly depends on what you are seeking it for. It may be practical: you need support from spaces that only accept formal diagnosis, or that you want or need access to medication. You may just want confirmation from an outside source, which is also valid.
But, I believe the reason should not be so that other people believe you, it should be for you. Your needs and your neurodivergence are valid regardless.
For some of us, diagnosis is not a choice. It is forced on us by the system without proper consent, or the help we need to continue our lives is not accessible any other way. If you have access to choice and consent, you should make the right choice for you, but do this through proper research and discussions, and make sure you have not read or digested misinformation.
The overdiagnosis argument undermines neurodivergent people: not only does it place emphasis only on diagnosis rather than the support we need, but it argues that the realities that we face are not valid or real. It argues we cannot possibly all be valid, or all really need the care, adjustments, and accommodations we are asking for.
All of this partially stems from a society that does not want people to push against its norms and standards: for neurodivergent people, allowing ourselves to push back on this can change how we live our lives.
NHS England. Autism Statistics, January 2024 to December 2024. NHS Digital, 13 Feb. 2025, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/january-2024-to-december-2024.
“Medical Biases Keep LGBTQ+ BIPOC from Seeking ADHD and Autism Care.” Prism Reports, 6 June 2022, https://prismreports.org/2022/06/06/medical-biases-keep-lgbtq-bipoc-from-seeking-adhd-and-autism-care/.
Claims of overdiagnosis ignore what really matters: too many neurodivergent people still face stigma, long waits, and little support.
Headlines like “ADHD, autism, cancer: this doctor says overdiagnosis is the issue” keep appearing across our feeds. Media and governments continue to claim that neurodivergence is being overdiagnosed, but if you ask neurodivergent people, most will tell you that that narrative is both untrue and harmful.
The number of people receiving diagnoses has increased over the past few years, but it has to be argued that there are several reasons for this, none of which point to levels of diagnosis being overly high. Rather, self-realisation and general knowledge have changed, whilst underfunding means waiting lists remain long and individual support is still lacking.
When discussing this topic, it is crucial to remember that ‘neurodivergent’ refers to more than autism and ADHD, even though media coverage and public conversation tend to focus only on those. There are many other neurodivergences that are going undiscussed and further underrepresented, and this dilutes conversations and leaves other neurodivergent people behind.
One of the biggest reasons for the rise in diagnoses is increased awareness. While some of this comes from professionals, it’s largely due to individuals gaining a better understanding of themselves and of neurodivergence more broadly.
Those who make arguments about overdiagnosis may also argue that people are ‘self-diagnosing from TikTok’ (or other social media platforms). Although social media has definitely played a role in this heightened awareness, this does not mean individuals are not validly self-diagnosing and/or seeking a professional diagnosis. TikTok played a role in the identification of my ADHD, but it was the start of a journey, not the end.
The COVID-19 lockdowns had a significant and overlapping impact on how people recognised and explored their neurodivergence, especially through social media. Having structure, routine, and in-person community taken away meant many experienced a complete shift in how they were navigating life and their needs, particularly where neuronormativity of the everyday was having less of an impact. While I had been diagnosed autistic 6 years before, it was the lockdown that made me realise I was also ADHD. I would sit at my desk for 8 hours a day, unable to do any university work, and that made me more curious about my other ADHD traits.
Increased awareness can also lead to shifts in self-acceptance. Some individuals may have known there was a difference within them all along, but labelled themselves negatively, or were not willing to see neurodivergence as an answer. Seeking a diagnosis may have come over time with acceptance, or with more access to the neurodivergent community (whether that be through social media or another way).
It is no coincidence that the ‘overdiagnosis’ argument comes just as swathes of multiply marginalised people discover their neurodivergence. There are many groups who are much less likely to be diagnosed, including Black people, others from the global majority, and those from marginalised genders (Prism Reports). For me and many others, it is easy to see all the times our neurodivergence has been missed during our lives, where it might have been picked up if we were not part of a marginalised group or culture.
This stems from multiple places. Diagnostic criteria and their examples have long been written relating to young, white boys, but also from overall biases by medical systems and a lack of good enough training for other professionals who might need to notice neurodivergence earlier, such as teachers.
The increase in awareness of how neurodivergence can look in different groups and the self-advocacy that has resulted from that does mean we have seen an increase in diagnoses being sought and received, but that does not mean there is “overdiagnosis”.
It’s important to understand that the statistics do not argue that there is any overdiagnosis, simply that the level of diagnoses is catching up to what it should be.
‘More’ diagnosis is not the same as overdiagnosis. Testing for neurodivergence is often rigorous, traumatic, and bureaucratic, with several aspects of testing occurring before you are even placed on the waitlist, not simply handed out. For example, the latest NHS data from December 2024 says 224,382 people are waiting for an autism assessment in England (NHS England); the result of chronic underfunding and lack of standardised processes.
Our society shames and undermines those seeking a diagnosis, but simultaneously has systems where only a formal diagnosis is validated. Everything from benefits to bus passes, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), and even carer tickets for the theatre often rely on formal diagnostic paperwork. Trying to get your accessibility needs met is demoralising and exhausting.
If those who argued that there is “overdiagnosis” really cared, they would push for a version of society where support is not label-based, but instead measured by individual need. This is not their focus: their focus is about stopping people from pushing back against systems, and being themselves instead of masking or pretending to be like others.
In another version of society, being labelled by the state might not be necessary. Diagnosis is done through the pathology paradigm and a deficit-based model that is largely not neuroaffirming, but currently, it is often a crucial step towards attempting to get the correct support.
This is one of the main questions often asked in the neurodivergent community. Everyone you ask will have a different answer, but I am of the belief that it truly depends on what you are seeking it for. It may be practical: you need support from spaces that only accept formal diagnosis, or that you want or need access to medication. You may just want confirmation from an outside source, which is also valid.
But, I believe the reason should not be so that other people believe you, it should be for you. Your needs and your neurodivergence are valid regardless.
For some of us, diagnosis is not a choice. It is forced on us by the system without proper consent, or the help we need to continue our lives is not accessible any other way. If you have access to choice and consent, you should make the right choice for you, but do this through proper research and discussions, and make sure you have not read or digested misinformation.
The overdiagnosis argument undermines neurodivergent people: not only does it place emphasis only on diagnosis rather than the support we need, but it argues that the realities that we face are not valid or real. It argues we cannot possibly all be valid, or all really need the care, adjustments, and accommodations we are asking for.
All of this partially stems from a society that does not want people to push against its norms and standards: for neurodivergent people, allowing ourselves to push back on this can change how we live our lives.
NHS England. Autism Statistics, January 2024 to December 2024. NHS Digital, 13 Feb. 2025, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/january-2024-to-december-2024.
“Medical Biases Keep LGBTQ+ BIPOC from Seeking ADHD and Autism Care.” Prism Reports, 6 June 2022, https://prismreports.org/2022/06/06/medical-biases-keep-lgbtq-bipoc-from-seeking-adhd-and-autism-care/.
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