Over the past few years, more and more people have started identifying as neurodivergent, often without a formal diagnosis.
With increased awareness around conditions like ADHD and autism, a lot of people are recognising traits in themselves that they either overlooked in the past or wrote off as unimportant. However, now that there’s a name for some of the feelings and challenges they’re experiencing, they can’t seem to help but feel like a missing puzzle piece has suddenly slipped into place. But why is this happening now, and what does it mean? Here are just a few reasons why so many people are self-diagnosing as neurodivergent.
1. Greater awareness and representation
In the past, many neurodivergent traits were misunderstood or simply ignored, especially in those who didn’t fit the stereotypical image of conditions like ADHD or autism. Now, there’s a much wider conversation happening about what neurodivergence actually looks like. Social media, books, and TV shows are helping people see themselves reflected in ways they never have before. This increased awareness has led many to recognise symptoms they’ve unknowingly lived with for years.
2. The internet has made information more accessible.
Years ago, understanding neurodivergence meant relying on doctors, textbooks, or personal experience. Now, endless information is available online, making it easier for people to research symptoms, experiences, and coping strategies. While this has led to more people identifying with neurodivergent traits, it’s also created a double-edged sword. The abundance of information means people can learn more about themselves, but it can also lead to over-identification based on relatable content rather than medical assessment.
3. The traditional diagnostic process is difficult and expensive.
Getting an official diagnosis for ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions isn’t as simple as booking a quick appointment. The process can take months or even years, especially within the NHS, where waiting lists are long. Private assessments are an option, but they’re expensive, leaving many without access to a formal diagnosis. As a result, self-diagnosis becomes a way for people to validate their experiences and find support without the long and costly process.
4. Neurodivergence presents differently in adults.
Most traditional diagnostic models are based on childhood symptoms, particularly in boys. Many adults, especially women and non-binary people, don’t fit those outdated criteria but still struggle with executive dysfunction, sensory issues, or social differences. When they see content that describes how neurodivergence manifests in adults, things finally start to click. Realising that their struggles have a name, even without an official diagnosis, can be a huge relief.
5. Many people were misdiagnosed or overlooked as kids.
For years, neurodivergent conditions were misunderstood, meaning many people were either misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders — or were never diagnosed at all. As more people share their stories of late diagnosis, others who have struggled with similar issues are starting to make connections. What was once dismissed as being “just lazy” or “too sensitive” is now recognised as part of a legitimate condition.
6. Social media has made neurodivergence more visible.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit have made discussions around neurodivergence more widespread. People are sharing their experiences in a way that feels relatable, making it easier than ever for others to identify with those struggles. While this visibility is great for spreading awareness, it also comes with risks. Sometimes, simplified content can lead to people assuming they’re neurodivergent based on a handful of common traits, rather than a full understanding of the condition.
7. Work and school environments highlight struggles.
Many people start to suspect they’re neurodivergent when they realise they’re struggling more than others in structured environments like school or work. Constantly feeling overwhelmed, disorganised, or mentally drained can push people to look for answers. In a world designed for neurotypical brains, those who process information differently often feel like they’re constantly falling behind. Discovering neurodivergence helps explain these difficulties and offers a framework for better coping strategies.
8. The pandemic made people reflect on their differences.
Lockdowns forced people to step back from their usual routines, and for many, this was the first time they really noticed how different their brains worked compared to everyone else. Without social expectations to mask their struggles, many people began recognising their neurodivergent traits. For some, the shift back to normal life after lockdown made these struggles even clearer. Sensory sensitivities, social exhaustion, and difficulties with structure became more noticeable, leading many to question whether they had been masking their neurodivergence for years.
9. More people are questioning what “normal” really means.
Society has traditionally had a narrow definition of what’s “normal.” People who struggled to fit into this box were often seen as difficult, lazy, or weird. But as conversations around neurodivergence grow, more people are realising that being different doesn’t mean something is wrong with them. That change has encouraged people to pursue labels that better explain how their brains work. Self-diagnosis isn’t always about needing a medical label; it’s about understanding oneself and finding a sense of identity.
10. There’s comfort in having an explanation.
For many, discovering neurodivergence feels like an epiphany, almost. Instead of feeling like they’ve been failing at life, they realise their struggles make sense within a neurological framework. That realisation can bring a huge sense of relief. It allows people to be kinder to themselves, look for the right tools, and connect with those who share their experiences.
11. Diagnosis criteria don’t always reflect real-life experiences.
Many official checklists for conditions like ADHD and autism don’t fully capture how these conditions manifest in real life, especially in people who have learned to mask their symptoms. Self-diagnosis often comes from a place of understanding oneself in a way that formal medical models sometimes fail to acknowledge. People who relate to lived experiences rather than clinical criteria often feel more validated by their own research than by outdated medical definitions.
12. Mental health struggles can mimic neurodivergence.
Things like anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress can lead to symptoms that look a lot like neurodivergence. Trouble focusing, sensory overload, social exhaustion, and emotional regulation issues can be caused by external factors, not just neurological conditions. Because of this, some people self-identify as neurodivergent when their struggles are actually rooted in past experiences or mental health conditions. Without professional assessment, it can be difficult to separate the two.
13. The stigma around neurodivergence is shifting.
In the past, being diagnosed with ADHD or autism often came with a lot of stigma. People were labelled as difficult, lazy, or broken. But now, the conversation has changed, and many are embracing neurodivergence as part of who they are. This has made self-identification feel safer. Instead of worrying about a label, people now see it as a way to better understand themselves and find a community who thinks in similar ways.
14. People want to access the right support.
One of the biggest reasons for self-diagnosis is that people are desperate for support, but struggle to access it through official channels. Whether it’s medication, workplace adjustments, or learning coping strategies, knowing they’re neurodivergent helps people look for the tools they need. Even without a formal diagnosis, identifying as neurodivergent can help people advocate for themselves, build better habits, and create a life that works for them rather than against them.
