Daijiworld Media Network- London

London, Oct 2: A groundbreaking study has revealed that the age at which autism is diagnosed could be tied to biological and developmental differences in children, with late diagnosis linked to higher risks of mental health disorders such as depression.

The research, published in the journal Nature by scientists including those from the University of Cambridge, UK, analysed decades of data to uncover two distinct patterns of autism development — one emerging in early childhood and the other surfacing in late childhood or adolescence.

Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, impacts brain regions such as the cerebellum and amygdala, affecting an individual’s ability to manage emotions and social interactions. Early symptoms, including lack of eye contact and not responding to one’s name, typically appear in the first two years of life.

The study found that children diagnosed early often showed social interaction difficulties, anxiety, and hyperactivity that appeared in early life but remained relatively stable. In contrast, those diagnosed in late childhood showed increasing difficulties during their teenage years and were far more likely to develop depression, ADHD, PTSD, childhood maltreatment-related trauma, and even self-harm tendencies.

“The later-diagnosed autism factor showed significantly higher genetic correlations with ADHD and a range of other mental health conditions,” the researchers noted.

The findings suggest that early diagnosis not only helps in better support and interventions but could also reduce the risk of serious mental health conditions later in life.

Data for the research was drawn from studies conducted between 1998 and 2024, using sources including Google Scholar and PubMed (managed by the US National Institutes of Health).

This study underscores the need for early screening and diagnosis to ensure children with autism receive timely care and support, potentially altering the course of their mental and emotional well-being.