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Boys Are Being Left Behind: Why We Need to Rethink Our Approach to Neurodiversity
“Don’t pass go – go straight to prison.”
In recent years, there has been growing awareness of neurodiversity. Yet boys—particularly those with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits—are still being left behind. Despite the wealth of knowledge available, their behaviour is still dismissed as defiance or lack of discipline. Instead of receiving support, they are misunderstood and overlooked. A recent post by Steven Bartlett laid the facts bare.
The Pendulum Effect: Have We Gone Too Far?
For decades, boys were at the centre of attention in education and behavioural interventions, often to the detriment of girls whose neurodivergence was frequently overlooked. Awareness of autism and ADHD in girls has grown, leading to better recognition and support. However, this shift has left many boys struggling without the help they need. Rather than swinging from one extreme to another, we must ensure both boys and girls receive proper care. True progress means uplifting all neurodivergent individuals without one group advancing at the expense of another.
The Impact of Misdiagnosis and Lack of Support
Teachers are expected to recognise and manage neurodivergent traits in the classroom, yet many receive little to no formal training on neurodiversity. As a result, undiagnosed ADHD in boys is often misinterpreted as defiance, laziness, or bad behaviour. This constant negative feedback can lead to Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or even Conduct Disorder (CD), conditions that significantly impact social skills, emotional regulation, and future prospects. Boys who feel misunderstood and punished rather than supported are more likely to disengage from education, struggle with relationships, and ultimately, follow a path toward delinquency or even criminality.
The Harsh Reality: The Link Between Neurodivergence and the Criminal Justice System
The statistics paint a grim picture. Research suggests that a significant percentage of incarcerated men have undiagnosed or untreated ADHD, with estimates ranging from 25% to 40% of the male prison population. These are individuals who, had they received the right interventions early on, might never have entered the criminal justice system in the first place. Instead of punitive measures, early identification, proper support, and appropriate interventions could have made all the difference in their lives.
The Devastating Consequences of Neglect
Beyond legal troubles, the risks for neurodivergent boys who do not receive the support they need are profound. Isolation, depression, low self-esteem, and substance abuse are common among those who feel like they don’t fit in or are constantly battling a system that doesn’t understand them. Perhaps most alarmingly, research shows that undiagnosed ADHD in males is linked to a higher risk of suicide, with studies indicating that individuals with ADHD are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers.
A Call to Action: Lifting Boys Up, Not Pushing Them Down
Lifting up boys must start in infancy, just as it does for girls. It is an ongoing process that requires education, awareness, and proactive support. But it must never be done at the cost of another group’s progress. True equality means ensuring that all children—regardless of gender—receive the help they need to thrive.
Practical Solutions: Knowledge is Power
At Help My Child, we offer courses designed to provide accurate, accessible, and practical information on neurodiversity. Many individuals take our courses after receiving a diagnosis or suspecting they may be neurodivergent themselves, and they have found them incredibly helpful. Our courses equip parents, teachers, and professionals with the tools they need to support neurodivergent individuals effectively—before they reach crisis point.
The Way Forward
The conversation about neurodiversity cannot afford to leave boys behind. We must ensure that teachers, employers, and society as a whole understand the importance of early intervention and the dangers of neglecting neurodivergent boys. We owe it to them—and to ourselves—to stop swinging the pendulum and instead commit to a balanced, informed approach that uplifts everyone, equally.
Baie insiggewend. Soos altyd!!!