Stockholm, Feb. 5 (SANA) A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be just as common among females as males in early adulthood, challenging previous estimates that largely associated the condition with males.
Researchers from Sweden and the United States tracked 2.7 million individuals born in Sweden between 1985 and 2022, following them until a maximum age of 37. They found that 2.8% of participants had been diagnosed with autism, with an average age of diagnosis of 14.
While the male-to-female ratio at diagnosis was 3.1 during childhood, it gradually declined to 1.1 by age 20. The study noted that diagnoses among boys peaked between ages 10 and 14, while for girls the highest rates occurred between ages 15 and 19, highlighting delays in identifying autism in females.
The researchers suggested that stronger social skills among girls may mask symptoms, leading to later or missed diagnoses. Rachel Mosley, a specialist at Bournemouth University, warned that undiagnosed autism is linked to severe challenges and an increased risk of suicide, underscoring the need for greater awareness among families and health professionals.
The study emphasized the importance of reviewing diagnostic policies and raising awareness about autism in girls to ensure earlier support and reduce potential psychological and health risks.
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