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Youngsters 'incentivised' to get ADHD and autism diagnoses
News.sky.com and 1 more
- A government-commissioned review warns that ADHD and autism diagnoses are increasingly used to secure school, workplace, and social support, not just to indicate prevalence.
- The interim report suggests normal childhood difficulties may be medicalised due to incentives and changing help-seeking behaviours, raising concerns about medicalisation.
- Experts emphasise a system that is more proportionate, responsive, and less dependent on a diagnosis in determining support.
- There is rapid growth in identified need within schools, with increasing identification among girls and young people without learning disabilities.
- Mental health advocates welcome a prevention-first approach and heightened focus on early intervention.
- There are concerns the review may fuel polarised debate over motivations for seeking a diagnosis.
- Officials stress the aim of a fair system that promotes early intervention while understanding rising diagnostic demand.
- The report cautions that more diagnoses do not necessarily imply greater prevalence of ADHD or autism.
- Support systems should balance diagnostic criteria with other approaches to address difficulties, ensuring precise use of diagnosis.
- The final report, launched in December, is expected to publish comprehensive recommendations in the summer.
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