Autism Diagnoses Rise 10-Fold in the UK: What New Research Reveals
Autism diagnoses in the UK have increased significantly over the past decade. Discover what new research reveals about changing diagnosis patterns, ADHD, anxiety and autism in adults.
Autism Diagnoses in the UK Have Increased Significantly
The number of people receiving an autism diagnosis in the UK has increased considerably over the past decade, raising important questions about awareness, diagnosis patterns and the changing understanding of autism.
New research suggests that autism diagnoses have increased approximately tenfold over 13 years. However, researchers have also identified an interesting change in the characteristics and other health conditions associated with people receiving an autism diagnosis.
While autistic adults were previously more likely to have a history of neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, more recent diagnoses are increasingly associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.
The findings highlight how our understanding of autism has evolved and why recognising different presentations of the condition remains important.
New Study Identifies Changing Autism Diagnosis Trends
Researchers examined health records from the UK and Sweden to investigate how autism diagnosis patterns have changed over time.
The findings, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, revealed a consistent increase in autism diagnoses in both countries.
In the UK, the rate of new autism diagnoses increased from six per 100,000 people in 2010 to 64 per 100,000 in 2023.
The research involved more than 24 million UK adults, including 141,119 people with an autism diagnosis. Data from approximately nine million people in Sweden were also examined, including around 100,000 individuals diagnosed with autism.
Researchers found that the increase was particularly noticeable among younger people aged between 16 and 20, as well as women.
These findings suggest that changes in awareness, access to assessment and recognition of autism characteristics may be contributing to the growing number of diagnoses.
Autism Is Increasingly Associated With ADHD and Anxiety
One of the most interesting findings was the changing pattern of additional health conditions reported among autistic adults.
Historically, people diagnosed with autism were more likely to have other neurological conditions, including epilepsy, psychosis and intellectual disabilities.
However, researchers identified a growing proportion of autistic adults with previous diagnoses of mental health conditions.
These included:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Anxiety disorders.
- Depression.
- Eating disorders.
- Sleep disorders.
- Stress-related conditions.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Persistent headaches.
The figures also revealed a considerable change in the prevalence of certain conditions.
For example, the proportion of autistic adults with a history of epilepsy decreased from 10 per cent in 2010 to four per cent in 2023.
In contrast, the proportion with a history of anxiety increased from 28.7 per cent to 58.3 per cent during the same period.
Researchers also observed increases in the use of certain medications, including antidepressants, melatonin, opioids and gabapentin.
These findings do not necessarily mean autism itself has changed. Instead, they may reflect improvements in recognising autism alongside other conditions and changes in how healthcare professionals approach diagnosis.
Why Are More Women Receiving Autism Diagnoses?
Another important finding concerned the increase in autism diagnoses among women.
Historically, autism has often been recognised more readily in males, meaning many women may have experienced difficulties without receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suggested that improved understanding of how autism presents in females could help explain the recent increase.
Some autistic women develop coping strategies known as masking or camouflaging. These behaviours involve consciously or unconsciously adapting their communication and behaviour to fit social expectations.
For example, an autistic woman might carefully observe how other people behave and imitate their social interactions. She may also rehearse conversations, hide behaviours associated with autism or make significant efforts to appear comfortable in social situations.
Although these strategies can help someone navigate everyday interactions, they may also make autism characteristics less noticeable to others.
As awareness improves, healthcare professionals may become better equipped to recognise presentations that were previously overlooked or misunderstood.
The researchers suggested that this development could help address historical inequalities in autism diagnosis.
Understanding the Difference Between Early and Late Autism Diagnosis
The research also highlighted differences between people diagnosed with autism during childhood and those who receive a diagnosis later in life.
Professor Dame Uta Frith, an emeritus professor of cognitive development at University College London, suggested that early and late diagnoses may be associated with different patterns of additional conditions.
People diagnosed during childhood were more commonly associated with neurological characteristics, including epilepsy and cognitive impairments.
In comparison, adults diagnosed later in life were more likely to have a history of mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression.
This distinction is important because some people may spend years experiencing challenges with communication, social interaction, sensory processing and everyday activities without understanding why.
For some individuals, a diagnosis in adulthood can provide an explanation for experiences that have affected them throughout their lives.
It may also help them access appropriate support and develop a better understanding of their individual needs.
Does the Increase in Autism Diagnoses Mean Autism Is Being Overdiagnosed?
The growing number of autism diagnoses has prompted discussions about whether the condition is being overdiagnosed.
Some experts have raised concerns that changes in diagnostic practices and greater public awareness could lead to people being incorrectly identified as autistic.
The researchers acknowledged that changes in diagnostic guidelines may influence the figures.
They also suggested that some people who previously received diagnoses for other mental health conditions may now be recognised as autistic because healthcare professionals have developed a better understanding of overlapping characteristics.
However, the possibility of misidentification should also be considered.
Anxiety, depression and ADHD can share certain characteristics with autism, although these conditions are distinct and can also occur together.
Professor Dame Uta Frith highlighted the possibility that cultural changes in the meaning and use of the autism label may contribute to the increase.
The key issue is ensuring that people receive accurate assessments rather than assuming that rising diagnosis rates automatically indicate either better recognition or overdiagnosis.
Autism, Mental Health and the Importance of Support
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that influences how individuals experience and interact with the world around them.
Common characteristics can include differences in social communication, repetitive behaviours, focused interests and sensory experiences.
However, autism affects everyone differently.
Some autistic people may also experience anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties.
Dr Monique Botha, an associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, highlighted the importance of understanding the wider experiences of autistic people.
She suggested that discrimination, social exclusion and reduced quality of life may contribute to mental health difficulties experienced by some autistic individuals.
This is particularly relevant when considering the experiences of autistic women, who may face additional challenges associated with delayed recognition and diagnosis.
Improving access to appropriate support, reducing stigma and recognising individual differences are essential steps towards better outcomes.
How Can Someone Find Out If They Might Be Autistic?
People who believe they may be autistic can discuss their concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.
In the UK, the AQ-10 questionnaire is one screening tool that may be used to identify adults or children who could benefit from a specialist autism assessment.
The questionnaire was developed by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a screening tool.
It explores areas such as social communication, attention to detail, flexibility and understanding other people's intentions.
A score of more than six out of ten may indicate that a specialist diagnostic assessment should be considered.
However, it is important to understand that the AQ-10 is not a diagnostic test. A questionnaire score cannot confirm whether someone is autistic.
A formal diagnosis requires an appropriate assessment by qualified healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: A Changing Understanding of Autism
The significant increase in autism diagnoses across the UK reflects changing patterns in awareness, recognition and healthcare assessments.
New research highlights how the characteristics associated with diagnosed autistic adults have shifted, with anxiety, depression and ADHD increasingly appearing alongside autism.
The growing number of diagnoses among women also suggests that previous approaches may have overlooked people whose characteristics did not match traditional expectations of autism.
Although questions remain about diagnostic practices and the possibility of misidentification, the findings reinforce the importance of accurate assessments and better understanding of autism across different age groups and populations.
Ultimately, recognising the diversity of autistic experiences can help ensure that individuals receive appropriate support, understanding and opportunities to thrive.
Source
- Sadik A, Lundberg M, Khandaker GM, Pardiñas AF, Lee BK, Madley-Dowd P, et al. Changes in the profile of adults diagnosed as autistic since 2010: population-based studies in the UK and Sweden. BMJ Mental Health. 2026;29:e302983.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Autism can present differently in each individual, and screening questionnaires cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Anyone concerned about possible autism should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult an appropriate specialist for personalised medical guidance.