Do you think your child has ADHD, autism, or anxiety?

In my practice I have seen significant changes. More children and teenagers are beginning to request neuropsychological assessments. They arrive informed and detail the symptoms of Note-fficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),, autismlearning disabilities, depressionand anxietyand how these obstacles affect their lives. This contrasts with the past in which parents primarily drove these assessments and teenagers often resisted. Now these young people are speaking up, urging their parents to seek help and clarify their struggle with schools. Social lifeand emotions.

This trend exceeds my practice. One study of more than 100 psychiatrists attending the American Academy of Children and Adolescents’ Psychiatry annual meeting showed that 74% of respondents reported as “somewhat often” or “very often.” Psychiatry Or neurological conditions for what they saw online (Weigle, 2023). meanwhile Social Media It certainly plays a role, but there are many reasons why teens and preteen children identify as Neurodivergent.

Increased access to information and reduced stigma

One of the key factors is improving accessibility of information online. The impact of Tiktok and social media is undeniable, ensuring a unique, dedicated discussion, but the broader internet has made information about mental disorders more readily available. Children are exposed to extensive knowledge of psychiatric and medical issues, sometimes accurately and sometimes not, leading to increased awareness and potential misunderstandings. And it’s not just their health. Through their mobile phones, they know too much about global issues and competition. stress level. This information access is combined with reduced numbers. Stigma Surrounding mental health means that children are more likely to recognize and discuss their struggles.

In my assessment, I have seen some teenagers and even Preton have written lists of symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety (on cell phone, of course). They have often convinced their parents about the need for evaluation. I frequently manage a series of matching parents and self-report questionnaires asking about anxiety, ADHD, Executive Featuresand depression. Many teens in the past may have responded to these surveys with the attitude of “I have no issues,” but these days, especially posts –COVID-19 (COVID-19)they often report similar or even higher levels of concern as their parents.

Broader social perceptions and potential secondary benefits

Increased perceptions of differences between mental health issues and learning, and access to help, do not only occur in children. There is more awareness among some adults, teachers and clinicians. In addition to the suspicious information available on many social media and commercial websites, it has become easier to easily obtain reliable information on disorders such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and mental disorders on certain websites. The number of clinicians available both at schools and elsewhere is also increasing. The United States currently employs more than 1 million mental health practitioners in a variety of fields, including psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling. This workforce is projected to expand significantly more than other US occupations, and will be promoted by increasing the decline in stigma regarding mental health, broader insurance coverage, and seeking care (Business Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).

Social Contagion It also plays a role (Haltigan et al., 2023). Children may identify symptoms they don’t really have because of what they see or hear online. Diagnostic changes such as the transition to autism spectrum disorder in the fifth edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental DisordersWe have also expanded the diagnosis. Reducing stigma around mental health issues and gaining support also plays a role. Additionally, there is a status element. Having a therapist or diagnosis can feel like a unique identifier.

The teenage years, often characterized by mood, frustration and anti-opposition, can naturally be a source of discomfort. Teens looking for explanations of misfortune and unfulfilledness have a new and acceptable understanding of these feelings, both for themselves and their parents. Diagnosis can provide answers. This is why things are difficult. This is especially true in high pressure academic settings where achievement is emphasized.

Parents also began to realize that psychiatric diagnosis often leads to accommodation in schools. Students can receive more time for testing, additional help, or access to the school clinician. Children understand that diagnosis may unlock support in school, provide desirable outcomes and help them in the struggles they experience in the classroom.

The role of adolescent development and identity formation

From a broader perspective, puberty It’s the time Identity Formation. Teens explore roles and seek feedback. Adopting a “Neurodivergent” identity can provide a sense of belonging, a community, and a way to describe their experiences. It’s also a way to avoid responsibility, but that’s just part of the photo.

Furthermore, adolescence is a developmental stage characterized by the emergence of formal operational thinking (McLeod, 2024). Teens begin to think abstractly, form hypotheses and systematically analyze information. This new cognitive ability, combined with unprecedented access to knowledge about the world and psychiatric conditions, can incorrectly exacerbate self-diagnosis. They may identify symptoms, construct a theory about experience, and conclude that they have a specific disorder without fully understanding the nuances and complexities involved. It is much easier to recognize and identify a single condition than to understand relative disorders, potential coexistence issues, functional effects, and stages of development.

While a wealth of information about NeuroDivergence is readily available, expert guidance is required to understand the complexities of mental health. Self-identification can be validated and useful for teens and preteens, but ensuring accurate diagnosis and proper support is essential. It is important for parents and clinicians to remain open; empathy The approach is even if it appears that it may be pathologizing pain rather than experiencing a mental disorder. In this context, parents, clinicians and educators are able to ensure that they receive the appropriate care and support they need, while recognizing the real struggles faced by many young people.