0
0
Ben-Gurion University Study Sheds Light on Late Autism Diagnoses
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev psychology researchers have identified two distinct groups of children who received delayed autism diagnoses, shedding light on factors that contribute to late detection. Their findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, ideally within the first two to three years of life, to enhance social communication and integration through early intervention.
Autism prevalence continues to rise, now affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States—equivalent to approximately one child in every classroom. Despite increased awareness and screening efforts, some children remain undiagnosed until later years.
Prof. Florina Uzefovsky of the Department of Psychology, along with her colleagues, conducted an analysis of the Simons Foundation’s extensive database, which contains information on 20,000 children with autism. Their study identified two groups of children who were diagnosed only after the age of six.
The first group exhibited fewer core autism symptoms and co-occurring conditions, potentially leading to a delayed recognition of their needs. The second group displayed multiple additional symptoms and diagnoses, which may have caused autism to be overlooked or mistaken for another condition.
According to the study, while most children (75%) received an autism diagnosis before the age of six, a significant 25% were not identified until later, underscoring the need for refined screening practices.
“The power of these findings is that they emerged from the data rather than confirming a hypothesis, allowing us to avoid preconceptions about autism,” stated Prof. Uzefovsky.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers Dan Aizenberg of BGU’s Department of Life Sciences, Ido Shalev of the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Alal Eran of Boston Children’s Hospital. Their research was published last month in JAMA Pediatrics.
For more details, refer to the study: Dan Aizenberg et al, Data-Driven Characterization of Individuals With Delayed Autism Diagnosis, JAMA Pediatrics (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.6075.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you suspect autism in a child, consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and guidance.
