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Original poster

social media is convincing all our kids they are nd?

511 replies

AuntMarch · 09/08/2025 14:38

I've just been sat on the bus and the tiktok videos I'm hearing almost have me seeking a diagnosis.
"ADHD TEST" Put a finger down if you've ever focused on something so much you've lost track of time/ sometimes think you talk too much or not enough.."
it's basically covered every possible behaviour and it's video after video.

it's no wonder every kid thinks they have something.

OP posts:
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BengalBangle · 09/08/2025 14:54

Social bloody media and its effect upon those who are lacking in the depth of critical thinking has me more concerned.
My daughters and I are diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. One daughter will likely never be able to live independently due to her care needs, so I live the reality of differing care needs.
Thus, I somewhat feel that anyone beguiled by TikTok might just actually be really fucking stupid.
HTH.

1diamondearing · 09/08/2025 14:48

"Neurodiversity" in itself is purely a social media invention, it has no formal scientific or medical definition

Original poster
AuntMarch · 09/08/2025 14:46

if i was younger i could easily have been convinced just by what I overheard on a 25 minute journey today. As it is I'm almost 40 and have got through life without struggles so far.
I want to be clear I'm not dismissing actual nd here, just think its being belittled and some of our kids are being spoonfed excuses not to do anything challenging!

OP posts:
usedtobeaylis · 09/08/2025 14:44

I just saw a video earlier today saying that if you got straight As in your exams it points to autism and ADHD. I feel like popular culture is eroding import aspects of recognising neuro divergence and making it seem like some things in isolation point to it. For example being bright, or being socially awkward. Combined with a reduction in critical thinking in the online world I think a whole lot of people are becoming convinced it's the 'reason' they have any difficulties. It's great when it's helpful and people who are undiagnosed can relate and see themselves in other ND people but I think we've gone beyond that. Even on here you see people suggesting neuro divergence based on one post of completely typical but, for lack of a better phrase, 'not perfect' child behaviour.

1diamondearing · 09/08/2025 14:43

ASD too - when I trained to teach children with ASD years ago, one of the first thing we were taught was "When you learn about autism, expect to recognise yourself in a lot of it, and to start to wonder if you have it too - don't worry, that is a normal response and will wear off in time" - except these days a whole industry has sprung up around NOT letting it wear off

Snorlaxo · 09/08/2025 14:43

It’s algorithms. The more you watch that kind of video, the more it feeds you that kind of video and the drip, drip effect slowly tries to brainwash you into that kind of thinking.

SwedishSayna · 09/08/2025 14:42

Agree. It's gone way too far. What will the long term impact be on these kids being convinced they can't do x,y or z because they have ADHD? Ludicrous.

Whatafustercluck · 09/08/2025 14:41

I agree it does real neurodivergence a huge disservice. The fact remains though that there is a far higher number of people who are ND than are actually diagnosed.

SchoolDilemma17 · 09/08/2025 14:41

Brianthedog · 09/08/2025 14:39

It’s not just kids. I’m mid 40s so many of my friends are now convinced they have ADHD.

One is obsessed with trying to convince me I am too, “you do X Y and Z!” Yes, but so do most people, it’s completely bloody normal.

Edited

Coming here to say the same. Two women in my work have recently told they are now diagnosed with ADHD, my best friend has been told by her therapist she has signs of ADHD. Seems like every second woman in their 30ies and their 40ies has symptoms now (including me!).

MelonElla · 09/08/2025 14:39

Yep and adults

Brianthedog · 09/08/2025 14:39

It’s not just kids. I’m mid 40s so many of my friends are now convinced they have ADHD.

One is obsessed with trying to convince me I am too, “you do X Y and Z!” Yes, but so do most people, it’s completely bloody normal.

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