Are ADHD Diagnoses Increasing with Each School Year?

What causes the “uptick” in ADHD during the new school year?

Whether or not you have neurodiverse children at home, have you ever been curious why there seems to be a deluge of ADHD diagnoses during the months of September and October? Or, perhaps, possibly, you’re the parent or caretaker of a child whose teacher – or school counselor – recently recommended getting your child tested for ADHD during parent-teacher conferences? 

It’s not just a myth. Recent research shows us that there is, in fact, an uptick in ADHD diagnoses among U.S. Schoolchildren. In fact, over the last decade, ADHD diagnoses have soared over a whopping 30% – the science reveals that at least 10% of all U.S. schoolchildren have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s more than double the amount of diagnoses since the 1970s. 

What’s causing the “uptick” in ADHD diagnoses for U.S. school children?

This is where the research is a little less clear. ADHD symptoms present as an inhibited ability for children to focus (in class, at home, in sports), being “fidgety” and distractible when sitting, having a hard time controlling impulses – and, in some cases, severe hyperactivity that never seems to slow down. The CDC (2019) reports that children with ADHD have nearly three times more academic, peer, and relationship problems than those without ADHD.

The United States has, by far, more cases of ADHD than other developed nations. And many scientists espouse that we see higher ADHD diagnoses among U.S. schoolchildren for two main reasons: the growing size of the U.S. population as well as potential misdiagnosis of ADHD. However, a recent 2018 study found a very interesting fact: children who start school earlier than others are much more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. 

Children who start school earlier than their playmates are much more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

For example, the typical academic “cutoff” for starting Kindergarten depends on each school’s schedule. However, sometimes children born in late July, August, or early September get accepted into Kindergarten. Oftentimes, it’s because children have made neighborhood friends and want to attend school alongside their friends. Sometimes parents wish for the same.

However, the data is clear: children born in late summer are 30% more likely to become diagnosed with ADHD compared to children born in the fall, winter, and spring months – according to Harvard Medical School. However, this study also identifies a potential caveat for the diagnosis. Children who are younger than their cohort (9-12 months younger) have more likelihood of getting overdiagnosed with ADHD. 

And it’s simply because they’re younger than their friends and haven’t yet reached the developmental milestones as their playmates – the kind that empower them to focus in school.

Consider the behavioral differences between 5 and 6 year old children: they’re major. Children as young as 4 and 5 are still considered to be in early childhood; 6 years and older are considered to be in middle childhood. It’s completely normal for 5 year olds to be more “energetic” while hopping, skipping, and jumping around. Just as it’s normal for 6 year olds to show much more social and emotional awareness.

Does your child have ADHD — Or are they too young for school?

When it comes to the “cut-off” date in Utah, children born before September 2 are “old enough” for Kindergarten. However, just because your summer baby might “make the cut off,” it doesn’t mean that starting Kindergarten after just turning 5 is the best idea. When it comes to starting elementary school, science shows us that children closer to age 6 perform better academically and socially in kindergarten compared to their younger friends.

Many parents with children born in June, July, or August may want to re-think starting their children in kindergarten the same year as their friends who are older. And, if you happen to have a summer baby who just turned 5 and is struggling with school – and is suspected to have ADHD – it may be the case that your child is neurotypical. It’s likely that their age is impacting their ability to focus in school. 

Before running to your doctor or psychiatrist for testing, consider bringing your kiddo into visiting with one of Aspire Counseling Network’s esteemed therapists. Our team of experts can provide a holistic view into your child’s needs and help you determine if your child attending Kindergarten is developmentally appropriate – or if waiting another year will prepare them for the best success. Recent research has empowered parents to “redshirt” their children, delaying kindergarten until their children either reach age 6 – or will turn 6 during the school year. Our therapists can help you determine if this approach is best for your unique needs.

What else can help explain the uptick in ADHD diagnoses, especially for older children?

Short and sweet: psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists all understand ADHD much more holistically in the modern age. Additionally, compared to 20 years ago, there no longer exists a split between ADD and ADHD. At present, the American Psychiatric Association theorizes that ADHD is one diagnosis and that neurodivergent children can have the “inattentive” and/or “hyperactive” type – occasionally both. Hence, having one diagnostic name that may help explain various behavioral and neurological variance, is going to “create” more diagnoses. 

Additionally, with time, therapists and psychologists have become much more adept at diagnosing ADHD than 40 years ago. Plus, there is much less stigma around an ADHD diagnosis. Having a neurodivergent child (or children) opens up a myriad of options for education – and to help parents empower their neurodivergent children identify and play to their strengths. 

If you’re a parent of a child who has been recently diagnosed with (or who has been neurodivergent for some time), you may be wondering where to go from here. While medication is a widely-marketed solution to an ADHD diagnosis, there are also much more organic and holistic options to help neurodivergent children become more successful. 

Aspire Counseling Network offers a comprehensive suite of solutions. We couple our client-centered medical staff (composed of fantastic nurse practitioners) with talented therapists who are educated on the most effective and proven interventions and strategies to help neurodivergent children feel empowered by their diagnosis.

Tips for Parents to Help Children Navigate Their Neurodiverse Emotions, Frustrations, and Talents

Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t “bad news.” In fact, learning that your child is neurodiverse at a young age can help you understand how ADHD affects your child – and, most importantly – how to empower your child for success. ADHD is unique for each child and affects everybody in unique ways. Whether your child struggles with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, there are multiple tactics for you to employ to meet them where they are.   

1. Be there each step of the way. 

While each neurodivergent child will have unique needs, the most important thing parents can do is become fully involved in your child’s life. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be world-changing for children and families. Meet your child right where they are. Do everything you can to educate yourself about living with ADHD. Find a therapist who specializes in ADHD interventions and attend each of the sessions with your child. If you opt for medication, make sure you have your child evaluated holistically by a psychiatrist.

2. Partner with a therapist and your child’s school.

Having a talented therapist will do wonders for your neurodivergent child’s confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, your therapist can help you better partner with your child’s school officials and teachers, educating them on your child’s unique needs. A therapist can help advocate for your child to obtain a 504 plan – or even an IEP. Both allow teachers to collaborate with your child to help come up with assignments and coursework that fits your child’s unique needs.

3. Create a sustainable homework schedule. 

Oftentimes, neurodivergent students feel completely overwhelmed and overstimulated by schedules and large amounts of homework. When it comes to ADHD, neurodiverse children are more likely to succeed with consistency – and individual focus. Work with your child to set a fixed schedule. 

In fact, you can create a homework schedule that rewards your child for productivity. For example, have a set schedule that allows your child to focus on one subject and one subject at a time. 

Another effective strategy is employing a timed homework and rewards system. For example, set a timer and have your child focus on one subject and one assignment for 30-60 minutes straight. 

Once the timer goes off, allow your child to “reward” themselves for their hard work by allowing them to choose an extracurricular activity of their choice. For 10 minutes, they can play video games, read comics, go on a walk – whatever is most motivating for them. 

Find Out If Your Child Has ADHD

If your child’s teacher or school officials recently recommended getting your child tested for ADHD, Aspire Counseling Network is here to help. What makes us unique is that we take you and your family on a personalized path of healing and growth. We meet you where you are to help you find the best therapist and medication management team for your unique needs. 

Whether you’re looking for individual therapy for a neurodiverse child, family therapy to help understand your unique challenges, or even group therapy to build a network of like-minded individuals, Aspire Counseling Network is here for you. Our robust team of experts is on-call and ready to help. 

Give us a call today.