Concept of de-diagnosing autism and ADHD raises pressing questions

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s51.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-01-14T03:16:14-08:00

Sweden plans to introduce autism and ADHD de-diagnosis services. The article reports on these plans and asks whether the US and the UK could follow suit. The proposal raises questions about the nature of the diagnosis, whether it is a purely clinical category or also a personal choice and social context. A diagnosis can give some people access to services, financial support or education. For others, it represents an obstacle in employment, obtaining a driver's license or insurance. People sometimes seek or avoid diagnosis strategically, which shows inconsistencies in systems of rights and limitations. The rapid increase in diagnoses of ADHD and autism in the UK and US prompts consideration of a real increase in prevalence, wider criteria, greater awareness or changes in habits.