Why ADHD and Autism Are Not ‘New’—Society Is Just Catching Up
If ADHD & Autism Have Always Existed, Why Do They Seem So ‘New’?
You’ve heard it before: “Back in my day, kids weren’t autistic. ADHD wasn’t a thing. We just had discipline!”—Yet history tells a different story.
The truth is, ADHD and autism have always been part of humanity. But for centuries, society simply failed to recognize them. Instead of understanding neurodivergence, people were labeled as:
- The troublemaker (ADHD)
- The shy or ‘odd’ genius (Autism)
- The daydreamer who “never applies themselves”
- The child who got punished for things they couldn’t control
Now, science is finally catching up. But why did it take so long?
1. The ‘Invisible’ Past: Why No One Talked About ADHD & Autism
For centuries, neurodivergent individuals were either forced to conform or left behind. ADHD and autism weren’t “discovered” late—they were just misunderstood and mislabeled.
- People with ADHD were often seen as reckless or undisciplined, while autistic individuals were perceived as withdrawn or eccentric.
- Before modern society, ADHD’s impulsiveness or hyperfocus may have been useful in survival situations, while autism’s deep thinking may have been mistaken for mysticism or genius.
- Medical science wasn’t ready to understand neurodivergence. Instead of ADHD or autism, people were misdiagnosed with hysteria, madness, or simply being “difficult.”
The lack of a proper framework meant that countless neurodivergent individuals lived their entire lives without knowing why they felt different.
2. The Education System Wasn’t Built for Neurodivergent Brains
Why do ADHD and autism diagnoses often happen in childhood? Because modern education exposes what was once overlooked.
- Rigid classrooms conflict with ADHD brains that crave movement, engagement, and stimulation.
- Social expectations highlight the struggles of autistic students, exposing difficulties with communication, sensory overload, and masking.
- Standardized testing favors neurotypical learning styles, leaving many ADHD and autistic students feeling like they are failing—when in reality, the system is failing them.
The traditional education system was never designed for neurodivergent minds. Instead of adapting, schools simply labeled these students as “disruptive” or “lazy.”
3. The Internet Changed Everything
Before social media, many neurodivergent people thought they were just “bad at life.” Now, a single ADHD or autism article can make someone say: “This explains everything.”
- Online communities have given people the language to describe their struggles.
- Self-diagnosis has led more individuals to seek professional evaluations.
- Awareness has skyrocketed—but so has misinformation.
The internet didn’t create ADHD or autism; it simply revealed how many people had been struggling in silence for generations.
4. Why Do People Still Doubt ADHD & Autism?
Despite scientific advancements, resistance to recognizing neurodivergence remains strong. Common misconceptions include:
- “Everyone’s a little ADHD/autistic.” But struggling with focus occasionally isn’t the same as living with ADHD every day.
- “It’s overdiagnosed.” More awareness doesn’t mean more cases—it means fewer people suffering without help.
- “Kids these days are just spoiled.” In reality, today’s children have access to support that past generations never did.
Many people still hold outdated beliefs because they grew up in a time when neurodivergence was ignored or punished.
5. The Future: We’re Not ‘Broken’—Society Needs to Adapt
ADHD and autism aren’t new—but our understanding of them is evolving. Instead of forcing neurodivergent people to fit into outdated systems, it’s time to:
- Normalize accommodations in workplaces and schools.
- Recognize the strengths that come with neurodivergent thinking.
- Stop treating ADHD and autism as problems to be “fixed.”
Neurodivergent individuals have always been here. The world is just finally starting to listen.
Final Thought: If ADHD and autism seem like a recent “trend,” it’s only because they were ignored for centuries. Awareness isn’t exaggeration—it’s long-overdue recognition.