Misinformation hurts: why we need better conversations about Neurodivergence

Viral posts might be entertaining, but they’re not always accurate, explains Guest Contributor, Chloe Webster-Harris, in today’s blog. Chloe joins us to explore why evidence-based information matters and how to spot red flags online.

The internet has opened up incredible spaces for Neurodivergent people to connect by sharing experiences and finding community. But alongside the positives, there’s also a rising problem: misinformation about Neurodivergence. 

As someone who is both Neurodivergent and a researcher in mental health, I see first-hand how damaging misinformation and myths can be. They don’t just spread confusion, they can also impact how people see themselves, how others understand Neurodivergence and even how healthcare professionals respond. 

Viral doesn’t equal true 

One of the biggest issues with social media is that popularity can look like credibility. A slick infographic, a trending TikTok, an Instagram reel or a viral tweet can reach thousands of people in minutes. But that doesn’t mean the information being shared is accurate. 

Lived experience is incredibly powerful. It gives voice to real people and highlights stories that often go unheard. But it doesn’t replace research, nuance, or critical thinking. No one person speaks for every Neurodivergent experience and we need to be mindful of the narratives we amplify. 

Most Neurodivergent people sharing their experiences online aren’t trying to cause harm. They’re speaking from their own perspective, often in the hope of helping others feel less alone. But it’s also true that some individuals (whether Neurodivergent or neurotypical) deliberately spread misinformation, whether to gain attention, push an agenda or sell a product. That’s why it’s so important to approach online content with curiosity and critical thinking. 

When misinformation spreads unchecked, it doesn’t just misinform. These myths can delay diagnoses, perpetuate stigma and may even discourage people from seeking support. 

Common myths that keep circulating 

Here are just a few of the claims I regularly see online, and why they’re misleading: 

“Autistic and ADHD people have a stronger sense of justice”

While some autistic people may experience rigid thinking or cognitive inflexibility, ‘justice’ is subjective. Being Neurodivergent doesn’t make you more moral or less biased than anyone else. 

“Autism and ADHD aren’t disabilities”

They are. Both conditions are only diagnosable because they cause impairments to daily life. Disability is a wide spectrum: you don’t have to ‘feel disabled’ for your condition to be disabling. 

“Autistic people with low support needs can ‘go non-verbal’”

The correct term to use here is ‘verbal shutdown’. The term ‘non-verbal’ refers to nonspeaking Autistic people. Using it incorrectly can downplay their struggles. 

“Neurodivergent just means Autism and ADHD”

False. Neurodivergent is an umbrella term that includes dyspraxia, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, Down syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and more. 

“You can develop ADHD after trauma”

ADHD must be present from childhood to qualify for a diagnosis. While conditions like C-PTSD can mimic ADHD symptoms, you cannot develop ADHD later in life. 

“Everyone has intrusive thoughts”

Intrusive thoughts are not the same as impulsive ones. They’re a hallmark symptom of OCD and sometimes PTSD. They are unwanted, distressing and often violent or disturbing. Impulsive thoughts (like buying junk food on a diet) are very different. 

Each of these myths may seem small, but together they distort what Neurodivergence really is, making it harder for people to seek help or be understood. 

Why accuracy matters 

Accurate, evidence-based information isn’t boring. It’s life changing. 

It’s what helps people access a diagnosis after years of being misunderstood or dismissed and understand themselves better, reducing their feelings of shame. It helps people receive support at school, at work or in healthcare settings. 

When misinformation spreads, these pathways become blocked. People may internalise harmful myths, for example, ‘I can’t be ADHD, I wasn’t hyper as a child, or professionals may rely on stereotypes that miss key signs, especially in women and other marginalised groups. 

How to spot misinformation online 

So, how can you protect yourself, and others, from false claims? Here are some red flags to watch for: 

• Vague medical jargon 
  Words like ‘hormone imbalance’ or ‘inflammation’ are used without explanation. 

• Big claims, no sources   
  They don’t have the research to back up their claims, or when asked, they say, ‘Google it’. 

• Pretty infographics with no citations  
  Remember, correlation is not causation!  

• Cherry-picking research  
  Blowing results out of proportion or ignoring study limitations. 

• Trying to sell you something  
  Making statements like ‘Big Pharma is lying, buy my supplement instead’. 

• Fear-mongering  
  Anything designed to scare rather than inform. 

If something feels oversimplified, sensational or sales-driven, it’s worth questioning.

What to do when you spot misinformation 

If you come across misinformation, don’t be afraid to speak up. That doesn’t mean shaming or arguing: it can be as simple as sharing accurate information kindly and calmly. 

A good approach is to acknowledge the intent, gently correct the claim with evidence or resources, and then offer alternatives, for example saying something like “here’s a great source that explains it well”. 

Education is a collective effort. None of us knows everything and we are all learning. By speaking up, you not only help others avoid misinformation, but you also create a culture where accuracy is valued over virality. 

Closing thoughts 

Neurodivergent voices are powerful, and online spaces have given us a platform like never before. But with that platform comes responsibility. 

If we want to see real change, we need to build it on facts, not myths. We all have a role to play in calling out misinformation, amplifying evidence-based knowledge, and supporting one another to learn and grow.  

When the truth is amplified, Neurodivergent people don’t just get better information, we get a better chance at being understood.