Buried at the bottom of a long NRK article on autism, a startling revelation from Professor Sigmund Eldevik at OsloMet emerges. After first mentioning the possibility of over-diagnosis, it states:
The second factor is that there has been increased immigration to Norway. It turns out that amongst non-Western immigrants, seven to eight times as many are diagnosed.
Although few readers will get right to the end of the article, the immigration aspect was at least mentioned. At the same time, NRK points out:
In 2010, Oslo spent 13.5 million kroner on pupils with significant health challenges. Last year, that figure had risen to 395 million.
Could the rise in over-diagnosis, or misdiagnosis, also be linked to financial incentives and a more ‘diverse’ medical workforce, in which an increasing number of people from different cultural backgrounds are securing positions as senior consultants and specialists?
Professor Eldevik:
There have been several reports suggesting that overdiagnosis has taken place. Or misdiagnosis. This means that more people are being diagnosed than actually meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Because a diagnosis also brings with it financial support and requirements for reasonable adjustments, says Eldevik.
– It might be parents who are pushing for it, or professionals who think this is in the child’s best interests, because we know what will happen if he doesn’t receive a diagnosis.
Not to mention: for the good of the clan.
