Chuunibyo

A study Characteristics of “chūnibyō” identified by a questionnaire states that Chuunibyo is highly related to, but seperate from neurodevelpmental disorders.

"In our study, approximately two-thirds of the chūnibyō group had experienced any problems related to chūnibyō, including feeling stressed with no clear cause, having poor communication skills, and experiencing the deterioration of relationships. These features seem to be similar to those of autism spectrum disorder [15]. Although chūnibyō cannot be denied to be part of mild autism spectrum disorder, many people experience chūnibyō, and they can live a social life without problems related to chūnibyō when they grow up. Therefore, chūnibyō is not considered a psychiatric disorder [2,4,7], and it might be considered to distinguish between chūnibyō and autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, chūnibyō is not characterized by neurodevelopmental disorders, episodes of self-harm, the deterioration of motor skills, attention deficits or careless mistakes; therefore, it is different from other psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorder, Rett syndrome, and others [16–18]. If chūnibyō can be detected, it might help adults, such as parents and teachers, establish a better environment for the children. Therefore, it is important to identify the characteristics of chūnibyō because children who experience chūnibyō sometimes struggle to accept that fact. Indeed, approximately one-third of the respondents in the chūnibyō group responded to the question “If someone had told you that you were chūnibyō when you were an adolescent, how would you have reacted?” that they would have rejected the statement. Therefore, a predictive score that could be used to identify adolescents who were likely to experience problems associated with chūnibyō was developed. The score might also be useful to identify people who are likely to remain chūnibyō after puberty, although chūnibyō is generally resolved after puberty or school [5]. According to one theory, it is not that chūnibyō resolves but rather that adults are successful at hiding their excessive self-consciousness [5]. An awareness of chūnibyō on the part of those affected by it might be an important step in the resolution of problems associated with chūnibyō. However, caution should be exerted owing to the negative impression of chūnibyō that many people affected by it have. We believe that adults who interact with children with chūnibyō who experience any problems should notice and accept the mental changes in these children and indirectly help the children to become aware of their chūnibyō. We also believe that no intervention is necessary when children with chūnibyō do not experience any associated problems. Importantly, chūnibyō is not a disease but a transient expression of individuality, and ridicule should be avoided."

This means that though negative symptoms are similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder, the two should be treated as seperate. This conclusion also shows that Chuunibyo has a clear connection with neurodivergency, and although neither diagnoses each other, the two are highly correlated.