Rising Autism and ADHD Diagnoses Spark Debate, with Social Media and Self-Diagnosis Fueling the Conversation
Autism and ADHD diagnoses have skyrocketed in recent years, prompting a wave of discussions around the conditions, particularly on social media. But has this surge in diagnoses come with a downside? Some experts are warning of overdiagnosis, as growing awareness—coupled with an increase in self-diagnosis—raises questions about the accuracy and authenticity of these diagnoses.
As someone who has found myself wondering whether I might have ADHD or autism, I can relate to the confusion. Daydreaming, sensitivity to sound, poor time management, and taking things too literally—many of these traits are often associated with both conditions. But at what point do we draw the line between neurodivergence and simply being human?
The rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses has become particularly noticeable among young adults. Research shows that from 2000 to 2018, the rate of ADHD diagnoses in adults under 30 increased by twentyfold. Similarly, between 1998 and 2018, autism diagnoses rose by 787% across all age groups in the UK. While this increase could be attributed to a broader understanding of the conditions and improved mental health awareness, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that the actual incidence of these conditions has risen to the same extent.
The internet, particularly platforms like TikTok, has played a significant role in this cultural shift. Hashtags related to ADHD and autism have amassed billions of views, with viral “autism test” and “ADHD test” videos circulating widely. Yet, studies show that a large portion of this content contains misleading or inaccurate information—60% of autism-related TikTok videos and 52% of ADHD content were found to be problematic. With millions of views on these videos, this misinformation can shape perceptions in a harmful way.
Moreover, the increased visibility of celebrities who openly discuss their diagnoses has contributed to the growing trend of self-diagnosis. Public figures like Barry Keoghan, SZA, and Elon Musk, who have shared their experiences with ADHD or autism, have helped reduce stigma and increase representation. However, experts argue that this has also turned ADHD and autism into the “fashionable” diagnoses of the moment. Just as bipolar disorder gained popularity in the early 2000s, some psychiatrists fear that ADHD is now receiving similar attention for the wrong reasons.
Fashionable conditions are nothing new in the field of psychiatry, where public perceptions shift with societal trends. Once associated with difficult behaviour in children, ADHD has gained new associations with creativity and originality, which some claim boosts its appeal. Similarly, autism has found its way into the narratives of successful tech entrepreneurs, which has led to a reframing of the condition.
But with this increased awareness comes a risk of misdiagnosis, particularly when online tests and TikTok videos encourage self-diagnosis without the depth of understanding required for accurate assessment. Dr Andrea Pickering, a clinical psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD and autism, warns that symptoms of these conditions often overlap with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. For a proper diagnosis, she emphasises the importance of professional clinical assessments, as online tests often lack the nuance needed to accurately evaluate complex conditions.
In the face of these challenges, some prominent psychiatrists, including Professor Simon Wessely, have raised concerns about the potential overdiagnosis of ADHD. Wessely suggests that growing awareness might be counterproductive, arguing that the current surge in diagnoses may not solely be due to improved recognition, but also to social trends. Similarly, the increased awareness of low-level autism could have unintended consequences, such as long waiting lists for diagnoses and a dilution of the condition’s seriousness.
Despite these concerns, the trend towards increased diagnosis shows little sign of slowing down. As diagnostic criteria widen and more people come forward with their experiences, some experts predict that the definition of neurodiversity will continue to evolve, potentially encompassing a wider range of symptoms. For now, however, the debate around overdiagnosis and the impact of self-diagnosis continues, with many questioning whether the increased attention on autism and ADHD is truly beneficial for those affected.
As I scroll through my TikTok feed, filled with ADHD and autism tests, I can’t help but feel that, for people like me—who exhibit only a handful of symptoms with no major impact on daily life—the constant wave of diagnosis discussions can feel overwhelming. The question remains: when does awareness become overdiagnosis, and when does self-diagnosis hinder more than help?
