A psychologist shares why it suddenly feels like every child has ADHD — and why parents shouldn't rush to diagnosis

Dr. Katie S. Davis, a neuropsychologist specializing in childhood learning disorders, warns that parents are increasingly rushing to diagnose their children for common kid behaviors. She suggests that softer interventions should be tried before booking an evaluation. Over time, Dr. Davis has noticed parents becoming visibly disappointed when she informs them their child doesn't meet the criteria for ADHD or autism.

Though she reassures them that their concerns are valid, parents often leave feeling dissatisfied due to the intangible nature of the diagnosis. Parent-reported diagnoses of learning disabilities and disorders have increased in recent years, but Dr. Davis believes this is due to rising expectations and desperate parents seeking explanations for their child's struggles.

Some experts argue that growing expectations for kids and the desire for explanations contribute to the increase in diagnoses. High standards in academics and the pressure to excel have led parents to focus on classroom behavior, overlooking variations among peers. However, labeling a child can have negative consequences, potentially defining their identity and making them feel permanently challenged.

Dr. Davis advises trying softer interventions, such as playdates or extracurricular activities, before resorting to a diagnosis. While diagnoses are real and beneficial for those significantly impacted, she warns against treating them as a catch-all explanation for every child's behavior.