29/08/2025
Hitting the headlines at the moment is a topic raised by ex-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about the over-diagnosis of children and young people.
It’s a subject I’ve thought a lot about, especially as a parent of three kids going through the school system, and having to bounce through it myself.
I’m with Jeremy on this. There is an issue, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
From my own experience as a parent, I’ve seen examples first-hand, to name just a few from the top of my head.
I remember one child who had his own psychiatrist in a school setting. He spent a lot of time at ours and, while I’m no expert, he just seemed like a typical boy to me.
Another time, referral to a psychiatrist for a child being assessed for an “obsession” with round objects, because he liked kicking footballs.
Honestly, how is that anything but normal?
Of course, some children do need a diagnosis and proper support, no question. But at very young ages, labelling can create stigma, and that in itself can do more harm than good.
Sometimes, the involvement of services can actually make an issue out of something that doesn’t even exist.
All of us go through ups and downs. We have tough days or phases, kids included. Often, these pass, and we bounce back.
Let’s not forget: sometimes what looks like a problem just needs time, patience, and understanding, not a diagnosis.
