Overview

• Francesca Happé, a leading psychologist, suggests more Britons now identify as neurodivergent than neurotypical, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.
• The reduced stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental conditions has led to increased self-diagnosis and formal assessments, reshaping societal attitudes.
• NHS autism referrals rose by 22% year-on-year to 200,000 by August 2024, with 90% of cases exceeding recommended wait times for assessment.
• Experts warn that behaviors once seen as eccentric are being medicalized, raising questions about where to draw diagnostic boundaries.
• Formal diagnoses provide access to critical support services, but the growing demand highlights systemic challenges in meeting needs.