Why do so many students have ADHD?

4 months ago

Increase in students claiming disabilities in UK universities from 8% in 2008 to 16% in 2023, with elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge seeing a rise from 5% to 20%.
Most common disabilities include ADHD, anxiety, depression, and non-profound autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Two simplistic explanations for the rise: gaming the system for advantages, and better medical recognition of conditions.
Philosophy of science perspective by Ian Hacking: 'looping effects' where diagnoses change behavior and vice versa, leading to evolving definitions of conditions like autism.
Historical shift in autism diagnosis from severe impairment to a broad spectrum, including high-functioning individuals.
Concept of 'making up people'—social roles like 'high-functioning autistic' or 'skater' emerge from cultural and medical recognition.
Concerns that accommodations may hinder students from developing essential life skills like meeting deadlines and handling stress.
University structures now heavily defer to medical diagnoses, limiting educators' ability to enforce discipline or tough love.
Potential irony: well-intentioned support measures may be counterproductive, preventing students from facing necessary challenges.

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