Earlier autism diagnoses for boys, girls typically facing delayed diagnoses for several years, according to a recent study
In a significant development, a recent analysis by Epic Research, the data and analytics arm of Epic Systems, has revealed that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being diagnosed earlier in young children, particularly in boys.
According to the study, which reviewed records from over 338,000 patients who received their first ASD diagnosis between 2015 and 2024, the median age at diagnosis for all children fell from age 7 in 2015 to age 6 in 2024. For boys, the median age dropped even further from age 7 to age 5, with nearly half diagnosed before age 5 in 2024.
However, the analysis also highlights a significant delay in autism diagnoses for girls compared to boys. Only about one-third of girls were diagnosed before age 5, according to the analysis, with girls showing no similar shift, their median age of diagnosis remaining at about age 8.
The disparity in diagnosis persisted into adulthood, with one in four women first diagnosed at age 19 or older, compared with about one in eight men.
The reasons for this delay in diagnosis for girls are complex. Girls with autism often exhibit milder or different symptoms than boys, which can make them less noticeable to both parents and healthcare providers. Girls may also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis.
There is also a historical bias in the diagnostic process, with many diagnostic tools and criteria being developed based on male characteristics. This can lead to a lack of recognition of autism in girls, who may not fit the typical male profile.
Girls with autism tend to have stronger social skills and may be more adept at mimicking their peers, which can lead to missed diagnoses. Additionally, girls are often more likely to internalize their challenges, making them less apparent to observers.
Delayed recognition can also be due to the fact that many healthcare providers are not trained to recognize autism in females, leading to a failure in early detection. Furthermore, an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with autism in adulthood, which further raises the average age of diagnosis for females compared to males.
Early detection of Autism is crucial as therapies, school accommodations, and interventions are most effective when started early in life. Early intervention can help figure out the strengths of individuals with autism and help them find their place in the world.
The goal is not to 'cure' autism, but to support people with autism and help them live fulfilling lives. Seeking evaluations through schools and contacting state-run early intervention programs for children under age three can help families facing barriers to diagnosis.
The study was conducted by Christian S. Monsalve, MD, a functional psychiatry fellow and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Speaks, and the Autism Science Foundation can provide more information.
Interventions can speed up learning and help prevent later anxiety and depression by making life easier for autistic children and their families. Early signs of autism include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed speech, repetitive behaviors, intense or unusual interests, and distress over changes in routine.
The statement emphasizes that there is much more hope now for individuals with autism, and it is crucial to continue efforts to improve early detection and support for those affected by autism.
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