Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinking.

KEY POINTS:
A new Harvard study found ADHD diagnoses rise 14% on Halloween compared to surrounding days.
ADHD remains a subjective diagnosis — there’s no blood test or scan to confirm it.
Why environment and maturity often explain behaviours mistaken for “disorder.”
The real risks of misdiagnosis — medication, labelling, and self-perception.
Why it’s time to look at what’s happening around kids, not just within them.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
 “There isn’t anything wrong with her — she just doesn’t fit the mould of what we consider normal.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Study: Halloween, ADHD, and Subjectivity in Medical Diagnosis (National Bureau of Economic Research)
Searching for Normal by Sami Timimi
TheParenting Revolution by Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Before seeking a diagnosis, consider context — sleep, stress, diet, and school environment.
Avoid rushing to label; focus on understanding and supporting your child’s unique needs.
Ask questions — about treatment pathways, environment, and alternative perspectives.
Create calmer spaces where kids can regulate, play, and thrive.

Every October 31st, kids go wild - costumes, sugar, excitement - but what if that same energy is quietly shaping ADHD diagnoses? In this Doctor&rsquo;s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a fascinating new study showing a 14% spike in ADHD diagnoses on Halloween day. They explore what this says about subjectivity in diagnosis, the risks of overlabelling kids, and how our environments - not just our children - might need rethinking.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">A new Harvard study found ADHD diagnoses rise 14% on Halloween compared to surrounding days.</li>
<li aria-level="1">ADHD remains a subjective diagnosis &mdash; there&rsquo;s no blood test or scan to confirm it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why environment and maturity often explain behaviours mistaken for &ldquo;disorder.&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">The real risks of misdiagnosis &mdash; medication, labelling, and self-perception.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why it&rsquo;s time to look at what&rsquo;s happening around kids, not just within them.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;There isn&rsquo;t anything wrong with her &mdash; she just doesn&rsquo;t fit the mould of what we consider normal.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Study: <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w33232">Halloween, ADHD, and Subjectivity in Medical Diagnosis</a> (National Bureau of Economic Research)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/searching-for-normal-9781911717133">Searching for Normal</a> by Sami Timimi</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-parenting-revolution">The Parenting Revolution</a> by Justin Coulson</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Before seeking a diagnosis, consider context &mdash; sleep, stress, diet, and school environment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Avoid rushing to label; focus on understanding and supporting your child&rsquo;s unique needs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask questions &mdash; about treatment pathways, environment, and alternative perspectives.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create calmer spaces where kids can regulate, play, and thrive.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

When Halloween “Hyper” Meets ADHD: What a New Study Reveals About Overdiagnosis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/93b4af60-4846-4c60-8bd6-b37d00a56666/transcript