Rates of autism in girls and boys may be more equal than previously thought

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February 4, 2026, 11:30 PM

• •The study analyzed diagnosis rates of autism for 2.7 million individuals born in Sweden between 1985 and 2022.
• •Researchers found that while males were more likely to be diagnosed in childhood, females caught up during adolescence.
• •The male-to-female ratio approached 1:1 by age 20, suggesting a significant shift in understanding autism prevalence.
• •The study emphasizes the need to understand why females are often diagnosed later and calls for improved diagnostic practices.

A recent study published in The BMJ, analyzing data from Sweden, indicates that autism may occur at comparable rates in both males and females, challenging the long-held view of it being predominantly a male condition. The research, which tracked 2.7 million individuals, revealed a 'female catch-up effect' during adolescence, suggesting that females often receive diagnoses later in life. This finding highlights the need for further investigation into why women are diagnosed later and how current diagnostic practices may overlook autism in females. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing autism in women and preventing misdiagnoses with psychiatric conditions.

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