Understanding the Rise in Autism and ADHD Diagnoses

National Autism Acceptance Month

Have you noticed how many more people are talking about autism and ADHD lately? It’s everywhere – in the media, in our schools, in our workplaces. What we’re seeing isn’t some kind of epidemic or crisis – it’s quite the opposite. Today, approximately 2.9% of children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder[1][2] and 11.4% with ADHD[3][4][5]. These numbers reflect a positive transformation in how our society begins to understand neurodiversity – the concept that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are normal variations in the human genome rather than deficits or disorders to be cured.

This article explores the factors behind increasing diagnosis rates, addresses persistent misconceptions such as vaccine conspiracies, and examines how we can build truly inclusive environments that support all types of minds. By understanding neurodiversity, we can advocate for the importance of systemic changes in education, workplace policies, healthcare, and social services. This way we can move toward a future where neurological differences are recognized, accommodated, and valued as essential components of human diversity.

Confronting Harmful Myths Head-On

Before exploring the positive changes happening, we must address the persistent and harmful myth that vaccines cause autism. This debunked theory continues to circulate, causing real harm to both public health and neurodivergent individuals. Numerous large-scale, rigorous scientific studies have thoroughly disproven any link between vaccines and autism[6]. Spreading this misinformation not only endangers public health but also perpetuates stigma about what it means to be neurodivergent.

The Beauty of Neurodiversity

Perhaps most troubling about misconceptions surrounding rising diagnoses is the implicit assumption that neurodevelopmental conditions are purely deficits to be prevented. This perspective fails to recognize that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation that often comes with unique strengths.[7]

Neurodivergent individuals often display exceptional pattern recognition, creative problem-solving abilities, and intense focus on their areas of interest. These unique perspectives and abilities can lead to innovative solutions that benefit all of society. Throughout history, neurodivergent individuals have made remarkable contributions to science, art, technology, and countless other fields.

The Real Story Behind Rising Diagnoses

In the 1980s, children with autism were often institutionalized, separated from their families and communities. The diagnostic criteria now encompass an umbrella term — Autism Spectrum Disorder — that ranges from non-verbal individuals with assisted living needs to those who might have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, all under the same diagnosis. This expanded definition alone accounts for a significant portion of the increase in diagnoses.

1. Expanded Understanding

We’ve dramatically broadened our understanding of these conditions and how they present. What was once a narrow set of criteria has evolved into a more nuanced and inclusive framework that better reflects the diverse ways these conditions manifest in real life.

2. Reduced Stigma

As stigma continues to fade, more people feel comfortable seeking evaluation and support.

3. Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognition of Masking

We now understand how certain populations have historically gone undiagnosed due to their ability to “mask” their neurodivergent traits. Women and highly gifted individuals, in particular, often develop sophisticated coping mechanisms that can hide their neurodivergent characteristics. Reasons for masking are often to ‘fit’ in the neurotypical world, and to avoid bullying. But disguising one’s identity causes a lot of stress and anxiety. [8]These individuals frequently receive diagnoses later in life, often self-funding their evaluations after years of struggle.

Gender Disparities

We now understand how certain populations have historically gone undiagnosed due to their ability to “mask” their neurodivergent traits. Women and girls in particular remain significantly underdiagnosed, with current statistics showing stark gender disparities: ADHD affects approximately 15% of boys but only 8% of girls[9][10], while Autism Spectrum Disorder shows an even wider gap with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1[11][12]. Girls who meet criteria for ASD are at disproportionate risk of not receiving a clinical diagnosis.[13] Women and girls with ADHD often show different symptoms than boys, with more internal signs like inattentiveness rather than outward behaviors like impulsiveness or hyperactivity.[14]

Systemic Barriers

Systemic barriers create additional hurdles for many underdiagnosed populations. Low-income families face significant financial barriers to accessing evaluations, which can cost thousands of dollars and are often not fully covered by insurance.[15]

The result is a system where privilege often determines who receives a diagnosis and subsequent support. Addressing these disparities is crucial for creating truly inclusive neurodiversity advocacy.

Measurement Bias

Another issue is that some screening tools are biased toward one gender, which means they might miss autism in women and girls.[16]Women and girls females with ADHD may be more easily missed in the ADHD diagnostic process and less likely to be prescribed medication unless they have prominent externalizing problems (such as hyperactivity or impulsivity).[17]

Creating Supportive Environments

The key is not to “fix” neurodevelopmental conditions but to create environments where neurodivergent individuals can fully utilize their strengths while receiving support for their challenges.

Think of it like a ramp at a building entrance: it’s crucial for wheelchair users, but it’s also a lifesaver for parents with strollers, travelers with rolling luggage, delivery workers with carts, and elderly individuals who struggle with stairs.

What was designed as an accommodation for one group ends up benefiting everyone. The same is true for neurodiversity accommodations: they don’t just help neurodivergent individuals; they improve experiences for everyone.

Embracing a Neurodiverse Future: Systemic Solutions

The rising numbers of autism and ADHD diagnoses aren’t a problem to solve – they’re a sign that we’re finally starting to get it right.

To truly support neurodivergent individuals, we need comprehensive systemic changes including:

• Universal Design for Learning principles

• Teacher Training in Education

• Insurance Reform

• Diagnostic Equity in Healthcare

• Flexible Work Arrangements

• Sensory Accommodations in Workplaces

• Stronger Disability Rights Legislation

• Research Funding at the Policy Level

These interventions must address the barriers that prevent equal access to diagnosis and support, particularly for women, low-income populations, and culturally diverse groups. By implementing these changes, we create environments where all cognitive styles are recognized and valued, benefiting not just neurodivergent individuals but society as a whole.

Neurodiversity advocates are creating a world where:

• More people can be their authentic selves,

• Different ways of thinking and experiencing the world are recognized as valuable,

• Support is available for those who need it.

Every major innovation, every paradigm shift, every creative breakthrough in human history has come from minds that dared to think differently. The unique perspectives that we now recognize as aspects of neurodiversity have always been part of human evolution and progress.

So when you hear about rising diagnosis rates, remember: we’re not seeing more neurodivergent people – we’re finally beginning to see them, hear them, and value them for who they are. And that’s not just good for the neurodivergent community – it’s good for all of us. In a world that embraces and supports neurodiversity, everyone benefits from the incredible tapestry of human cognition that makes our species truly extraordinary.

About the Author

Ilse Gevaert is a psychologist and coach with expertise in neurodiversity (such as Autism and ADHD), giftedness, twice-exceptionality (2e), trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, and resilience. Ilse continued her education at Harvard and Cornell, where she obtained leadership certificates that have informed her practice.

Contact: ilse.resilientminds@gmail.com

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 23). Autism prevalence higher, according to data from 11 ADDM communities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0323-autism.html

[2] Maenner MJ, Warren Z, Williams AR, et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2020. MMWR Surveill Summ 2023;72(No. SS-2):1–14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7202a1

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 19). Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Data and Statistics on ADHD. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html

[4] Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, Katz SM, Newsome K, Blumberg SJ, Kogan MD, Ghandour R. ADHD Prevalence Among U.S. Children and Adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, Severity, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Treatment. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024 May-Jun;53(3):343-360. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625. Epub 2024 May 22. PMID: 38778436; PMCID: PMC11334226.

[5] Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis? Mo Med. 2022 Sep-Oct;119(5):467-473. PMID: 36337990; PMCID: PMC9616454.

[6] Taylor LE, Swerdfeger AL, Eslick GD. Vaccines are not associated with autism: an evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine. 2014 Jun 17;32(29):3623-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.085. Epub 2014 May 9. PMID: 24814559.

[7] Singer J., “NeuroDiversity: The Birth of an Idea” (1998) – foundational work on neurodiversity.

[8] Cage E, Troxell-Whitman Z. Understanding the Reasons, Contexts and Costs of Camouflaging for Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 May;49(5):1899-1911. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-03878-x. PMID: 30627892; PMCID: PMC6483965.

[9] Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, Katz SM, Newsome K, Blumberg SJ, Kogan MD, Ghandour R. ADHD Prevalence Among U.S. Children and Adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, Severity, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Treatment. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024 May-Jun;53(3):343-360. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625. Epub 2024 May 22. PMID: 38778436; PMCID: PMC11334226.

[10] Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis? Mo Med. 2022 Sep-Oct;119(5):467-473. PMID: 36337990; PMCID: PMC9616454.

[11] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 23). Autism prevalence higher, according to data from 11 ADDM communities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0323-autism.html

[12] Maenner MJ, Warren Z, Williams AR, et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2020. MMWR Surveill Summ 2023;72(No. SS-2):1–14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7202a1

[13] Loomes et al., “What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder?” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2017).

[14] Quinn PO, Madhoo M. A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: uncovering this hidden diagnosis. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01596. doi: 10.4088/PCC.13r01596. Epub 2014 Oct 13. PMID: 25317366; PMCID: PMC4195638.

[15] Aylward BS, Gal-Szabo DE, Taraman S. Racial, Ethnic, and Sociodemographic Disparities in Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 Oct-Nov 01;42(8):682-689. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000996. PMID: 34510108; PMCID: PMC8500365.

[16] Belcher HL, Uglik-Marucha N, Vitoratou S, Ford RM, Morein-Zamir S. Gender bias in autism screening: measurement invariance of different model frameworks of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. BJPsych Open. 2023 Oct 2;9(5):e173. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2023.562. PMID: 37781848; PMCID: PMC10594186.

[17] Mowlem FD, Rosenqvist MA, Martin J, Lichtenstein P, Asherson P, Larsson H. Sex differences in predicting ADHD clinical diagnosis and pharmacological treatment. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2019 Apr;28(4):481-489. doi: 10.1007/s00787-018-1211-3. Epub 2018 Aug 10. PMID: 30097723; PMCID: PMC6445815.