A recent study has revealed that large numbers of adults with autism in the UK are living without a formal diagnosis, particularly older age groups, highlighting a gap in the detection of the condition.
A study conducted by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, after analyzing 2018 healthcare data, showed that rates of "underdiagnosis" increase significantly with age. Specifically, it revealed that:
91.45% of men and 79.48% of women between the ages of 40 and 59 were not diagnosed.
The percentage rises to more than 96% among those over sixty.
While it drops to 52.54% between the ages of 20 and 39.
It reaches only 23.34% for those under 19 years of age.
Experts emphasize that the absence of a diagnosis does not lessen the impact of the condition, as individuals may spend their lives facing difficulties without a clear explanation for them.
In this context, Tim Nicholls of the National Autistic Society pointed out that a diagnosis can be a significant turning point in a person's life, and in some cases, it can be a lifesaver.
To understand the manifestations of autism in adults, especially those over 40, Dr. Lisa Williams, a clinical psychologist and founder of "The Autism Service," identified a set of often-overlooked signs, most notably:
1. Excessive reliance on routine: Adhering to a fixed daily schedule, with a clear feeling of stress when sudden changes occur.
2. Specific and intense interests: Deep and persistent preoccupation with specific subjects or hobbies.
3. Sensory sensitivity: Excessive sensitivity to noise, light, smells, or texture.
4. Difficulty adapting to change: Facing challenges in dealing with life or environmental transformations.
5. Difficulty understanding social norms: such as reading body language or understanding indirect signals.
6. Challenges in romantic relationships: difficulty expressing or understanding feelings, or a preference for independence.
7. Difficulties in the work environment: especially in social interaction or adapting to professional changes.
Experts point out that providing a supportive environment, whether at work or in daily life, can greatly help enable individuals with autism to adapt and succeed.
