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MNN UK · February 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Study finds females as likely autistic as males but diagnosed less in childhood

What happened: A Swedish study tracking 2.7 million people found that while autism diagnosis rates are similar for males and females by age 20, boys are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed in childhood.

Why it matters:

  • Highlights potential underdiagnosis of autism in girls during childhood.
  • May influence how autism screening and support are approached across genders.

MNN Take: The research suggests diagnostic practices may miss autistic females in early years, leading to later or fewer diagnoses compared to males.

Sources: Guardian UK