Neurodivergence diagnoses rise amid calls for cautious identification

The rise in neurodivergence diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, has increased visibility and access to specialized evaluations. However, experts warn of the risks associated with social media content that may lead to premature self-identification or the confusion of common childhood behaviors with clinical conditions.

Psychologist Fernanda Martins emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between general information and clinical identification, noting that possessing a single trait associated with a condition does not automatically constitute a diagnosis.

Statistical data reflects this growing recognition. In Brazil, IBGE census data indicates approximately 2.4 million people have self-declared autism, representing 1.2% of the population. In the United States, CDC data shows a significant increase in prevalence, reaching one in every 36 children. Experts suggest these figures reflect improved diagnostic criteria, such as the 2013 DSM-5 unification of autism classifications, and a better societal understanding of the spectrum rather than a simple explosion of cases.