Scientists Studied 171,000 Patients. One Autism Diagnosis Pattern Stood Out
Summary
A study of 171,134 patients in the U.S. found that autism diagnoses in girls and women increased significantly after 2020, while diagnoses in boys and men stayed steady or declined. The research suggests this rise is due to better recognition of autism in females, who have historically been diagnosed later than males.Key Facts
- Researchers analyzed health records from 171,134 patients between 2016 and 2024 at a Midwestern U.S. health system.
- Autism diagnoses increased in girls and women after 2020, across all ages studied.
- Boys and men had stable or decreasing autism diagnosis rates during the same time.
- Girls and women were diagnosed on average 3.4 years later than boys and men (15.7 years vs. 12.3 years).
- Delay in diagnosis can limit early access to support and services that improve quality of life.
- Females often mask autism traits by copying social behaviors, making diagnosis harder.
- Autism in females often shows as internal issues like anxiety or depression, not disruptive behaviors.
- Other conditions such as ADHD and fibromyalgia are often found alongside autism, so people diagnosed with these may benefit from autism screening.
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