A study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that autism diagnoses among females have increased significantly since 2020, while rates among males have remained stable or decreased. The research followed over 171,000 patients in a multistate health system from 2016 to 2024, revealing that new autism diagnoses among females rose by 19% annually during this period. Women and girls were diagnosed approximately 3.4 years later than men and boys, which may result in delays in receiving necessary support and accommodations.
The study suggests that the increase in diagnoses reflects improved recognition of previously overlooked groups, particularly females and older children, rather than a true increase in autism prevalence. Historically, autism has been perceived as predominantly affecting boys, but this research challenges that notion. Researchers analyzed medical records from Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, focusing on patients who consistently visited doctors from 2016 to 2024.
The study categorized participants into three age groups: children (0-9 years), teens (10-18 years), and adults (19-50 years). It found that among children, the rate of new diagnoses for boys declined slightly, while girls experienced a significant rise starting in 2020. In the teen group, boys' diagnosis rates initially dropped before stabilizing, while girls' diagnoses surged between 2020 and 2024. Among adults, men’s diagnosis rates trended downward, whereas women’s rates increased, although this trend was not statistically significant enough to rule out chance.
The research also noted a gap in diagnosis timing, with boys typically diagnosed around age 12 and girls around age 16. Among young children, girls were diagnosed at an average age of 8.5 years, compared to 7 years for boys. The study also tracked the decline of Asperger’s syndrome diagnoses, which were integrated into the broader autism spectrum category in 2013.
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine care, researchers excluded 2020 data from their analysis. The core trends remained unchanged, indicating that the pandemic did not solely account for the observed patterns. The study highlights that females with autism may exhibit different behaviors than males, often masking their traits, which can lead to underdiagnosis. Increased awareness and online discussions may also contribute to more adult women seeking evaluations later in life.
The findings suggest that the long-held belief that autism primarily affects males has influenced screening practices, resulting in many individuals being overlooked. The study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to autism diagnosis and support.