A major review of medical records suggests that autism is now being identified earlier in young children, particularly boys, though many girls continue to face significant delays in receiving a diagnosis. The analysis, carried out by Epic Research using data from over 338,000 patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2024, found the median age of diagnosis for boys dropped from seven to five, with nearly half identified before the age of five last year.

For girls, the pattern was starkly different. The median age of diagnosis has remained around eight, with only a third diagnosed before the age of five. One in four women were not diagnosed until adulthood, compared with around one in eight men. Experts say the difference may be due to girls displaying subtler or less recognised signs, particularly when symptoms are mild.

While the median age for children has improved overall, the average age of diagnosis remains around 10.5 years, reflecting the number of people who are not identified until much later in life. Early detection is considered crucial, as interventions, therapies, and school support are most effective in the early years.

Specialists urge families to seek assessments through schools or state-run early intervention schemes, and to use trusted resources such as the NHS, the National Autistic Society, and other reputable organisations for guidance and support.