Neuroscience & Neurodiversity
There has been recent information in the press highlighting some research which states that conditions such as autism and ADHD are being over-diagnosed.
These headlines grab attention, which is of course what they are intended to do, but there is also a danger of misrepresentation.
The headline appears to speak to the narrative that diagnosis of neurodiverse conditions is going too far and people are jumping on the bandwagon.
The key question: Are conditions such as autism and ADHD really being over-diagnosed, or is the challenge more about how complex conditions are being identified and understood?
The Problem Is Simplicity of Diagnosis
A deeper look at the research reveals a more important truth.
The research shows that this is not about neurodiverse conditions being over-diagnosed, but more that the labels of autism and ADHD are being too easily applied when, in most cases, the person being diagnosed is facing a more complex set of challenges.
The problem therefore is simplicity of diagnosis rather than over-diagnosis.
The key point: The concern is not simply the number of diagnoses, but whether the full complexity of an individual's challenges is being recognised.
The Reality of Getting a Diagnosis
My own study and experience leave me in no doubt that we remain in backlog in terms of diagnosis of these conditions.
Most of the neurodiverse people I work with have had to battle, typically for a period of one to two years, to get diagnosed, and many of them are still going through the process.
These are invariably genuine people facing genuine challenges.
The reality: For many people, obtaining a diagnosis remains a lengthy and difficult process, often involving years of uncertainty while they seek a clearer understanding of their experiences.
Why Diagnosis Is So Complex
The practice of diagnosis is still on a steep learning curve.
Practitioners must rely on behavioural observation and interpretation of narratives, that is, a psychological perspective, to conclude the diagnosis.
But it is very rare that any person simply presents with just one condition.
The symptoms are complex and overlap significantly.
For example, I have yet to meet an autistic person who does not face challenges of anxiety, yet autism is generally seen as genetic and anxiety disorders as caused through trauma.
Why this matters: When symptoms overlap and several conditions may be present, focusing on a single diagnostic label can risk overlooking other important aspects of a person's experience.
The Limitations of Current Diagnostic Methods
Currently, we are not at a point where diagnosis can be supported by brain scans which could often help us to pinpoint more accurately neurodiverse conditions, but hopefully that will improve in the future.
For the moment, people presenting with autistic and anxiety disorders are vulnerable to incomplete diagnosis and a general lack of understanding of their total condition.
Final takeaway: The challenge of diagnosing neurodiverse conditions is not simply about assigning a label. It is about recognising the complexity of each individual, understanding overlapping symptoms and developing a more complete picture of the challenges they face.
By Clive Hyland, Consultant Head of Neuroscience & Leadership Strategy
Clive is an established business and leadership coach, with extensive experience in corporate businesses, including roles as CEO and COO of major companies.