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Education & Family

Neurodiversity: Turning to social media for ‘diagnosis’

Content about neurodiversity is very popular on social media, but there are concerns that people who suspect they have a condition such as ADHD or autism are increasingly using it to self-diagnose.

Charities, including ADHD-UK, say long waiting lists for official assessments are contributing to the problem, with average wait times for an ADHD assessment being between two and three years.

Although short video posts describing perceived “signs” of neurodivergent conditions can raise awareness, experts warn that only an official diagnosis can give people access to appropriate help and treatment.

BBC reporter Ben Moore has spoken to influencer Molly Brooks-Dridge from Havant, Hampshire, who is autistic and has ADHD, Bethan Amey from Blandford in Dorset, who is autistic and self-diagnosed using social media, the founder of ADHD UK Henry Shelford and psychologist Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo.

Produced, filmed and edited by Ben Moore

Produced by Sue Paz

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