A major official review has warned that England may be moving from an era of under-diagnosis to over-diagnosis of ADHD and autism in children. As waiting lists grow and social media takes its toll, Becky Hunter-Kelm explores what this means for Christian parents and carers.
An official review in England has raised concerns that some young people may be being over-diagnosed with ADHD and autism, bringing the risk of life-long harm to children. With diagnoses spiking significantly over the past 25 years, the review calls for more regulation of private assessment providers.
The report covers a lot of ground, including a look at what is contributing to increasing mental health problems among young people, with economic uncertainty and social media highlighted as key factors.
“Tipping point”
Society is now at risk of moving from an era of under-diagnosis to over-diagnosis or misdiagnosis, the report says, with data showing more than 4% of children aged six to 17 are now diagnosed with autism, well above the 1-2% that studies suggest is the true level. It also revealed that the proportion of young people with an autism diagnosis has risen 40-fold. The Times described the report as warning of a “tipping point’’.
As we digest this new information, it’s important to note that because some of these figures date back almost ten years, it’s currently impossible “to be absolutely certain or conclude over-diagnosis was currently occurring at scale”.
We know our young people’s primary identity is as a child of God, beloved and chosen.
Experts pointed out that when young people receive a diagnosis of ADHD, autism or another mental health condition, this can end up as a label that defines them by their ”difficulties” rather than their ”strengths and potential”. This has a negative impact on their future, limiting prospects in relationships, education and work.
As Christian parents and carers, we know our young people’s primary identity is as a child of God, beloved and chosen. We never want a label to override this or negatively impact our kids’ future and God-given potential.
On the other hand, for other families in the church, there can be the much-needed relief of a diagnosis, because they finally know how to support them and can access the help they need.
Long waiting lists
The review also highlighted the long waiting periods for a diagnosis and the impact this has on families. It’s something friends of mine in the UK went through 18 months ago, when their five-year-old son was struggling at school. Every day was a battle, and waiting with no end in sight was excruciating. Finally getting answers can be a huge relief because a diagnosis can explain so much about a child.
But if a diagnosis isn’t given after being on a waiting list, it can be really distressing for parents and carers to have no concrete answers.
Experts are calling for waiting lists to be managed differently, so children with the greatest need are prioritised. This could make a positive difference by protecting many families from unnecessary distress and getting children the support they need more quickly.
The system in the UK is ”under immense strain”, but review chair Prof Peter Fonagy said: ”Diagnosis remains essential and must be protected – what has to change is that it is no longer the only door through which help can be reached.” The report claims there’s a need to remove some people from waiting lists and provide non-medical support instead:
- Accommodations made in school
- Adjustments in the workplace
- Support in making healthier lifestyle changes at home to help improve sleep or anxiety.
As a Christian mum of three, I can see how this report is straddling a thin line.
We don’t want to jump the gun and go straight to a diagnosis before giving non-medical interventions a chance.
But every parent wants a diagnosis if it helps their child.
And every single child and young person is different.
So we need a system where families who need the most help get a diagnosis as quickly as possible.
Let’s pray that the findings of this review translate into new regulations on waiting lists that do just that.
How can we respond?
I do worry about the effects of social media on my children’s future. I can see how social media is already affecting their friends; one told me they can no longer read books because their attention spans have shortened from watching social media on their phones.
We and our churches definitely have a role to play in helping to combat loneliness and moderate social media exposure.
Let’s pray and ask God to help us always see them through His eyes and celebrate their strengths and potential rather than their difficulties.
As believers, we must not ”slide with the times” – we must stand firm and set loving boundaries around our children’s phones and sleep. It can make a difference to our children’s well-being, even if it makes us unpopular – and I think we can support one another as Christian parents in this, so our children know they’re “not the only ones” and that rules are an outworking of loving discipline for their good.
Above all else, let us remember that our children and young people belong to Jesus.
Their identity is in Him. No matter what they’re going through, let’s pray and ask God to help us always see them through His eyes and celebrate their strengths and potential rather than their difficulties.
May we also be mums, dads, aunties, uncles, grandparents and carers who encourage other families in our churches to do the same and remind them of the truth when they’re struggling.
