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

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.

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