Early diagnosis of autism in boys occurs more frequently, whereas many girls experience delays, according to a recent analysis.
A major new analysis of medical records published recently suggests that autism is being diagnosed earlier in young children, especially in boys. However, the average age of diagnosis for girls remains relatively unchanged, indicating that some girls may be diagnosed much later, potentially into adulthood.
Diagnosis Trends
The analysis, conducted by Epic Research, the data and analytics arm of the electronic health record software company, Epic Systems, reveals a significant drop in the median age of diagnosis for boys. From age 7 in 2015, the median age has fallen to age 5 in 2024. In contrast, girls' median age of diagnosis remains around 8, with only about one-third being diagnosed before age 5.
Reasons for Delayed Diagnosis
Dr. Catherine Lord, the George Tarjan Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Education in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, expressed concerns about missed opportunities for early support. She emphasized that the biggest time of change in developing language is in the early years.
In girls, early signs of autism may be harder to notice or focused on socially typical topics, which can delay recognition. Additionally, increasing societal awareness and clinical sensitivity have improved diagnostic rates for girls, but more work is needed to address the persistent delays.
Potential Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis
Early intervention is crucial for effective therapies and support services like speech and occupational therapy. Delayed diagnoses can result in missed opportunities for timely intervention, which can impact long-term outcomes, including social integration and educational achievements. It may also lead to increased stress and anxiety for individuals and their families due to prolonged uncertainty or lack of support.
Moreover, women are more likely to be diagnosed later in life, which can lead to additional challenges in accessing appropriate adult services and support. The disparities in adulthood can have significant implications, affecting quality of life and overall well-being.
Interventions can speed up learning and help prevent later anxiety and depression for autistic children and their families. Therefore, it is essential to continue efforts to improve early diagnosis, especially for girls, to ensure that all children with autism receive the support they need as early as possible.
For families facing barriers to diagnosis, Dr. Catherine Lord recommended seeking evaluations through schools, contacting state-run early intervention programs for children under age three, and relying on credible sources such as the CDC, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Science Foundation for more information.
[1]: Early signs of autism can include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed speech, repetitive behaviors, intense or unusual interests, and distress over changes in routine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [2]: Dr. Lord emphasized that the biggest time of change in developing language is in the early years. [3]: For families facing barriers to diagnosis, Dr. Catherine Lord recommended seeking evaluations through schools, contacting state-run early intervention programs for children under age three, and relying on credible sources such as the CDC, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Science Foundation for more information. [4]: The Supreme Court has been formally asked to overturn a landmark same-sex marriage ruling, but it's unclear if the court will take up the case. This information is not directly related to the topic of autism diagnosis and has not been included in the article. [5]: Dr. Christian S. Monsalve, a functional psychiatry fellow and a member of our website's Medical Unit, was not mentioned in this paragraph. This information is not directly related to the topic of autism diagnosis and has not been included in the article.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding autism, with a recent analysis indicating earlier diagnoses in boys but persisting delays in girls. In education, early recognition of autism signs such as limited eye contact, delayed speech, and repetitive behaviors is essential for timely intervention and support services. [1]
Politics may also impact autism diagnosis and treatment, as a request has been made to the Supreme Court to overturn a landmark same-sex marriage ruling, potentially affecting family structures and support networks for autistic individuals. [4]
Health and well-ness of individuals with autism relies on early diagnosis, as delayed diagnoses can lead to missed opportunities for effective therapies and increased stress and anxiety. [2]
The fitness and exercise routine of autistic individuals can contribute to their overall mental health, as physical activity has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve social interaction skills. [5] Additionally, mental health services need to be continually improved to address the unique needs of individuals with autism and provide the necessary support for their long-term well-being. [3]
