Experts Caution Against Broad Use of 'Neurodivergent' Label
A review of studies suggests the term is often used as a catch-all, potentially diminishing the experiences of individuals with diagnosed conditions.
The widespread adoption of the term 'neurodivergent' is drawing criticism from experts who argue it is becoming an overly broad label that could undermine individuals with established medical diagnoses like ADHD and autism.
Researchers suggest that applying the term to individuals without formal diagnoses risks diluting the recognition and resources available for those with recognized conditions. This concern arises amid a backdrop of increasing diagnoses for conditions such as ADHD, which has seen a significant rise, and autism.
Autism diagnoses in the UK, for instance, increased by 787 percent between 1998 and 2018, while ADHD diagnoses have risen 20-fold since the turn of the century. This trend has prompted discussions about potential over-diagnosis and the medicalization of common behaviors.
Analysis of Term Usage
A review of over 134 studies, involving approximately 150,000 participants primarily from the UK and US, analyzed how the terms 'neurodivergent' and 'neurodiverse' are used. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that these terms were frequently associated with a range of conditions beyond autism and ADHD, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even effects from strokes or brain injuries. Notably, one in five studies reportedly used the terms without specifying any diagnosis, and a third relied on self-identification rather than clinical assessment.
Distinguishing Neurodivergent and Neurodiverse
The authors of the review emphasize that 'neurodivergent' and 'neurodiverse' have distinct meanings. 'Neurodivergent' typically refers to behaviors or cognitive functioning that differ from societal norms and are associated with diagnosed conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette's syndrome, and dysgraphia. In contrast, 'neurodiversity' is a broader concept positing that human brains are naturally wired in diverse ways.
The review highlighted instances where these terms were conflated, leading to a lack of clarity regarding specific individual challenges. The researchers warned that using 'neurodivergent' as a blanket term, even within research, can create problems by grouping conditions with distinct clinical features and diagnostic criteria.
Autism, which affects communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, differs from ADHD, characterized by challenges with concentration, activity levels, and impulse control. Each condition presents unique difficulties that can be obscured by generalized labeling.
Context of Diagnosis Trends
These findings emerge as governmental reviews, such as one concerning ADHD diagnoses, are expected to recommend prioritizing patients with severe symptoms. This approach aims to manage resources within healthcare systems, where waiting lists for assessments, such as for ADHD, can be extensive, with hundreds of thousands of individuals awaiting evaluation.
Celebrities and public figures have also contributed to the increased visibility of these terms. For example, TV chef Jamie Oliver has described his family as 'very neurodiverse,' with some members diagnosed with conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Singer Annie Lennox has also shared her experience with ADHD, calling it a 'superpower' that brings 'brilliance.' However, the expert review suggests that such broad public discourse may contribute to the imprecise use of diagnostic terminology.