Autism diagnoses in the U.S. have risen sharply, with a 175% increase from 2011 to 2022, largely due to more cases identified in young adults, recent research reveals.
Conducted by Kaiser Permanente, the study found that while boys remain more likely to be diagnosed, autism cases in adult women increased by 315% over the period, showing a narrowing gender gap, the New York Post reported.
This uptick is partly attributed to growing public awareness and advocacy, which encourage screenings for adults and children alike.
Broadened diagnostic definitions in the DSM-5, published in 2013, also play a role, as conditions like Asperger’s syndrome are now classified under autism spectrum disorder.
Expanded criteria have made it easier for individuals with previously overlooked symptoms to receive a diagnosis, particularly for those whose behaviors may not match traditional autism stereotypes.
The study’s authors caution that their data may still underestimate autism’s true prevalence, especially in older women, who often present different symptoms than men. Though no cure exists, autism treatments such as behavioral interventions and speech therapy can help manage symptoms and support social development.
Written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
