Recently, I came across an interview with Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan about her new book, "The Age of Diagnosis," in which she challenges the increase in diagnoses of conditions like autism, ADHD, and long COVID. As someone who runs ADHDer.net and works closely with the neurodivergent community, I felt compelled to respond to her assertions with current scientific research and the lived experiences of those she claims are being "over diagnosed."
The Problem with Medical Gatekeeping
When medical professionals like Dr. O'Sullivan argue that we're "not getting sicker" but rather "attributing more to sickness," they inadvertently participate in a long tradition of gatekeeping that has historically harmed marginalised communities—including the neurodivergent population.
Let's address some of the concerning claims and examine what the research actually tells us.
On ADHD: "I'm far from convinced that ADHD is a single disease"
Dr. O'Sullivan states she doesn't believe adult ADHD is the same condition a…
