Are too many children being diagnosed with ADHD? Specialists say the real issue is something else entirely

Recent claims in the press that ADHD is being overdiagnosed are missing the real point. The issue is not a surge in incorrect labels, it is rushed assessments, long NHS waiting lists and inconsistent standards across parts of the private sector.

Only 26.6 per cent of children with ADHD in the UK receive any form of treatment. Rising diagnosis numbers, therefore, reflect unmet need finally being recognised, not the overdiagnosis suggested in recent coverage.

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, more parents are seeking answers to help their children. This does not mean families are pushing for labels or that clinicians are handing out careless diagnoses. It may feel as though more children are being identified with ADHD, yet if they are receiving the right support, that is a positive outcome.

The data shows the challenge lies in access, not excess. Around 549,000 people were on NHS waiting lists for an ADHD assessment in March 2025, which reflects system strain rather than widespread overdiagnosis. Prevalence studies estimate that 5 to 8  per cent of children have ADHD, yet UK diagnosis rates remain below 3 per cent, so many children are not being identified at all.

The whole point of diagnosing a child or adult with ADHD is to give them the understanding, structure and support they need to thrive at school and in their social lives. Currently, many children are given a diagnosis and then simply labelled, and then receive only basic support from the SEN at school without the practical tools or guidance that would help them and their parents manage their symptoms.

Research consistently shows that when ADHD is identified and properly supported, children experience significant gains in confidence, behaviour and academic progress.

Growing up is challenging enough, so a careful and robust ADHD assessment supported by coaching, school adjustments and or medication can make a real difference to their confidence and progress. At the same time there are still thousands of children who genuinely do need a proper assessment and who remain overlooked, which is why a balanced and thorough approach matters so much.

Dr Kripalani, Consultant Psychiatrist at The ADHD Centre, says:

“ADHD is a complex condition. You cannot properly assess a child in one short appointment. When the process is rushed, the danger is not too many diagnoses. The danger is the inaccurate ones. Some children get missed, others get misunderstood, and families are left confused.”

A robust assessment is essential. UKAAN and AQAS standards recommend two to three-hour structured assessments with information from parents, teachers and clinicians, which is far from what many families currently experience.

“ADHD touches every part of a child’s functioning,” said Dr Kripalani, including emotional regulation, friendships, and learning. When we take the time to assess properly, we can see the whole child and give families clarity and practical support.”

The ADHD Centre adds that untreated ADHD is linked with poorer academic outcomes and higher risks of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, which reinforces the importance of early and accurate assessment.

Another factor behind the rising demand is the structure of the education system itself. Many parents turn to a formal diagnosis because additional help in school often depends on having a recognised condition. Clinicians say this reflects pressure within schools rather than eagerness for a label.

This matches national findings that only children with formal identification can reliably access extra time or support plans in exams, making diagnosis a gateway to fairness rather than a trend.

The ADHD Centre believes the way forward is not fewer diagnoses. It is better, more consistent assessments so every child receives an accurate understanding of their needs. The clinic provides specialist ADHD assessment and treatment for children, young people and adults, and works closely with families and schools to ensure support plans that genuinely help.