Moderators of Age of Diagnosis in > 20,000 Females with Autism in Two Large US Studies.

This study looked at over 20,000 girls and women with autism and found they were diagnosed 14 months later than boys on average. Girls who got diagnosed later typically had milder autism signs - fewer repetitive behaviors, better language and thinking skills, and symptoms that showed up later. This delay means girls may miss out on early help that could make a big difference.

This large-scale analysis of over 20,000 females with autism from two independent US datasets examined factors contributing to delayed diagnosis in females. The study found that females received their autism diagnosis an average of 14 months later than males. This diagnostic delay was particularly pronounced in females presenting with milder or atypical autism characteristics, including limited repetitive behaviors, preserved intellectual and language abilities, and symptoms that emerged later in development. The findings highlight significant gender disparities in autism recognition and suggest that current early screening approaches may inadequately identify autism in females, potentially delaying access to critical early intervention services.

Results suggest urgent need to modify early autism screening to better identify females, particularly those with subtler presentations. Clinicians should maintain heightened awareness for autism in females with preserved language and cognitive abilities. Earlier identification could significantly improve access to timely interventions and support services.

Study type and detailed sample characteristics are not specified in the abstract. The analysis is retrospective and relies on existing datasets. Specific screening tools or diagnostic procedures used are not described, limiting understanding of which assessment approaches may be most problematic for female identification.

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features that moderate a later age at ASD diagnosis in females in a large sample of females with ASD. Within two large and independent ASD datasets (> 20,000 females), females were first diagnosed with ASD 14-months later relative to males. This later age at diagnosis was moderated by a mild or atypical presentation, wherein repetitive behaviors were limited, IQ and language were broadly intact, and recognized symptoms emerged later in development. Females are at risk for a later age at ASD diagnosis and treatment implementation, and modification of early childhood ASD screening methods for females may be warranted.