Anyone who thinks there’s anything mildly amusing about the reported rise in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses in the UK needs to have a word with themselves.
There is nothing funny about a neurodevelopmental condition and claims that "everyone seems to have it”, or “it's a label” make me very angry.
Those who believe it’s all one big joke or conspiracy clearly lack empathy. Or maybe they haven’t experienced how all-encompassing being on the spectrum yourself, or living with someone who is, can be. And believe me, getting a diagnosis is not simply a case of just going to your GP.
80 years ago, autism was thought to affect one in 2,500 children. That has gradually increased and now one in 36 children are believed to have ASD.
Meanwhile, the UK has seen the highest increase in the rate of prescriptions for ADHD medication over the course of four years, from 2020 to last year. London in particular is in the spotlight, with the annual rate of increase at 28 per cent.
Some have pointed the finger at the pandemic, with the stress and worry of lockdown worsening symptoms and highlighting certain patterns of behaviour. Others, less enlightened, have suggested vaccines could be the culprit.
A simple fact is that awareness around ADHD and autism has increased. When I was at school in the 1990s, the disruptive kids were largely written off as “naughty”. Now, more people know the signs to look out for.
Another barrier to seeing the problem in a clear light has been misdiagnosis. One in four autistic adults, and one in three autistic women, have reported they’ve had at least one prior psychiatric misdiagnosis before being diagnosed with autism.
My 4-year-old is currently on the ASD pathway (possibly ADHD too) and it's a very long slog. He has been on the waiting list since last May and at the time I was told to expect a 16-18 month wait. In-between, you have to attend various hospital appointments and do online courses. You’re constantly having to advocate for your child too, which is almost a job in itself, especially in my case as a single and full-time working parent.
There is no “incentive” about “claiming” to have a neurodevelopmental condition
There is no “incentive” about “claiming” to have a neurodevelopmental condition. Of course every student, particularly teenagers, sitting an exam will think the opportunity to have added time allowed is amazing. But to those who actually need it, it could be the difference between them passing or failing. ADHD is also not an “excuse” that you can just conjure up overnight.
Sure, you may also be able to apply for some cards that allow you to “queue jump” at certain themeparks and attractions, but even those have become more regulated. You need to book in advance and can’t just rock up. This has actually caused a nightmare for some families who rely on it to be able to enjoy a day out without a meltdown caused by lengthy lines.
Paultons Park, which is home to Peppa Pig World, previously offered a free essential companion ticket alongside a full-priced ticket for any visitor requiring additional assistance. It faced a massive backlash earlier this year when it scrapped that, instead announcing plans to charge carers 50 per cent of the usual ticket price to enter the park.
Those on the spectrum can get overwhelmed and sometimes not even make it as far as the car park or last the whole day. Carers and parents are on constant high alert and the last thing that’s on their mind is their own enjoyment.
As for the view that benefits such as PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or DLA (Disability Living Allowance) are an easy way to top up your monthly income — have you seen those forms? They are long. They are daunting. And after submitting evidence you have to wait months to get a response and even then you’re not guaranteed to be accepted.
Another member of my family was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I've now requested to be tested for that and ASD because genetically, they can run in families. I can also see a lot of similarities in some of my son's behaviour and my own.
I think it's really important for kids to get diagnosed as early as possible so that the right support is in place. Many with ASD and ADHD can have terrible experiences at school — I certainly did. If me not being diagnosed was partly the cause, then I will jump any hurdles necessary to prevent my son from experiencing similar.
Tina Campbell is the London Standard celebrity correspondent
