Identity politics fuels a surge in self-identified disability claims, argues columnist
The column argues that the recent rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses reflects a cultural trend where claiming minority status brings social advantages.
The writer contends that the explosion of autism and ADHD diagnoses is less a medical phenomenon than a cultural one, where identifying as disabled confers social benefits. Highlighting a ninefold rise in autism cases between 1998 and 2018, the argument points to the influence of therapy culture and identity politics, exemplified by the high-profile case of black autistic sociologist Jason Arday. The column also mentions a 400% increase in ADHD referrals and a recent trend of young women using walking sticks, suggesting these are expressions of a broader “victimhood” mindset.
Historical context is provided through references to Elaine Showalter’s work on hysterical epidemics and to past moral panics. The piece further critiques the current mental-health discourse as a political fashion, comparing it to earlier waves of “woke” hyper-liberalism. Finally, it reflects on the death of philosopher Anthony Kenny as a reminder of the value of doubt in an era of certainty.
Why it matters
It highlights how identity politics may be reshaping medical diagnoses and social attitudes toward disability.
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