Home >  Psychiatry MDTV >  Psychiatry Shorts >  Late Autism Diagnosis...

Late Autism Diagnosis Linked to Increased Risk of Mental Disorders: Study

Written By :  Anshika Mishra
Published On 2025-10-06 02:45 GMT   |   Update On 2025-10-06 09:09 GMT
Advertisement

The age at which a child is diagnosed with autism may reveal distinct biological and developmental differences, according to a new study published in Nature. Researchers suggest that children diagnosed later in life are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, and self-harm, compared to those diagnosed at an earlier age.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain regions involved in emotion and behavior regulation, including the cerebellum and amygdala. The condition can impair communication and social interaction, with early signs such as avoiding eye contact or not responding to one’s name typically emerging during the first two years of life.
Advertisement
The research team, including scientists from the University of Cambridge, found that early-diagnosed and late-diagnosed autism represent biologically distinct pathways. In children diagnosed early, social and behavioral challenges-such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties in social engagement-surface before school age and remain relatively stable over time. In contrast, those diagnosed later often develop more severe symptoms during adolescence, accompanied by a higher incidence of mental health problems and adverse life experiences.
“The earlier-diagnosed autism factor showed weaker genetic links to educational attainment, cognitive performance, and psychiatric disorders,” the authors wrote. “In comparison, the later- diagnosed factor displayed significantly stronger genetic correlations with ADHD, depression, PTSD, self-harm, and childhood maltreatment.”
These findings suggest that late-diagnosed autism may represent a form of the condition that interacts more strongly with environmental and psychological stressors, amplifying vulnerability to emotional distress during critical developmental periods. The researchers emphasize the importance of early identification and supportive interventions, particularly as the transition to adolescence may exacerbate social and emotional challenges in undiagnosed individuals.
REFERENCE: Zhang, X., Grove, J., Gu, Y. et al. Polygenic and developmental profiles of autism differ by age at diagnosis. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09542-6
Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Nature

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Anshika Mishra

Anshika Mishra is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Masters in Biotechnology, driven by a profound passion for exploring the intersection of science and healthcare. Having embarked on this academic journey with a passion to make meaningful contributions to the medical field, Anshika joined Medical Dialogues in 2023 to further delve into the realms of healthcare journalism.

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

Your Thoughts Could Be Shrinking Your Brain: Study Reveals

Meta-analysis Reveals AI Tools Fail to Reliably Predict Suicide Risk

From Treadmill to Therapy: Exercise May Be Primary Prescription for Depression, Study Shows

Keto Diet Linked to 70 Percent Drop in Depression Symptoms Among College Students: Study

Cannabis-Based Medicines May Improve Sleep and Mental Health in Insomnia Patients: Study Finds

Is Your Mental Health Putting Your Heart at Risk? Study Sheds Light

Depression And Schizophrenia Double Heart Disease And Mortality Risks: Lancet Report