20: Measuring Neurodivergence: What Epidemiology & Social Research Can & Can't Tell Us

Why is ADHD is so hard to define & diagnose? This episode breaks down the science, the bias, and the media noise surrounding ADHD and neurodivergence.This week on The Neurodivergent Report, we brought an Epidemiologist to teach us how to measure stuff like ADHD/ASD, what current research narratives gets wrong (and right), and why neurodivergent communities need better representation. Curious what’s inside:Epidemiology 101 (abridged)Social Research 101 (abridged) Media as a socialization toolLet us know your thoughts @ndreportpod on the socials.However you’re able to engage, thank you for being here!With love, Sarah 💜Looking for Fred?(https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-hooven-phd-8637bb13/)📢 Connect with UsFollow 👉 @ndreportpodApply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ndreportpod.com📚 Suggested Reading for more on topic:Aftab, A. (2025, April 28). People are still stumbling from one misguided narrative… (ADHD Edition). Psychiatry at the Margins. https://www.psychiatrymargins.com/p/people-are-still-stumbling-from-oneBarkley, R. A. (2025, April). Response to NYT Magazine’s “Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?” [Multimedia commentary]. In Dr. Barkley Debunks Myths About ADHD. https://thembatutors.com/russell-barkley-adhd-response-controversy/Danielson, M. L., Claussen, A. H., Bitsko, R. H., et al. (2024). ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625CDC. (2024, November 19). Data and statistics on ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.htmlChronis‑Tuscano, A., & Bounoua, N. (2024). ADHD prevalence rose, yet disparities remain: Commentary on the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2024.2359075McLamb, F., Bozinovic, K., Olander, N., et al. (2021). U.S. national, regional, and state‑specific socioeconomic factors correlate with child and adolescent ADHD diagnoses pre‑COVID‑19 pandemic. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01233-2Keywords:#ADHD, #neurodivergence, #epidemiology, #qualitativeresearch, #quantitativeresearch, #resourceallocation, #mediainfluence, #mentalhealth, #neurodivergent #ndreportpod, #parenting, #authenticity, #copingstrategies, #anxiety, #diagnosis, #DSM-5, #community, #contentcreation #podcast #researchpodcast