Unlocking the Diagnosis: Why More Adults Are Discovering They’re Autistic

Autism isn’t just something that affects children—more and more adults are being diagnosed every year. 

Approximately 2.21% of adults in the U.S. are estimated to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research shows more adults are getting diagnosed with Autism, particularly among young adults. Diagnoses rates increased 450% for 26-to-34-year-olds and around 330% for those aged 35-44.

These numbers are crazy high! With numbers like these, people may be skeptical and think Autism is being overdiagnosed. Autism is a complex diagnosis and we are learning more and more about this brain style every day. For most people it’s still something that is confusing which is understandable given that Autism presents differently in every single person.

The saying “If you’ve met one Autistic person, you’ve met one Autistic person” is so true. Two people can have the same diagnosis but look so completely different to those who observe their behavior. For Autism Awareness month, I’m going to be doing a few different blogs to help shed more light on this often misunderstood diagnosis. There are so many questions people are asking: Why are so many adults being diagnosed now? If autism is something people are born with, why is it only being recognized later in life? 

Let’s explore five reasons behind the growing number of adult autism diagnoses.

The Focus on an Childhood Autism Diagnosis

For a long time, autism was thought of as a childhood condition. Early diagnostic models were built around young children, focusing on traits like delayed speech or repetitive behaviors. Typically only more severe cases were diagnosed and many professionals believed if someone reached adulthood without a diagnosis, they simply weren’t autistic. In reality, many had just adapted or masked their traits over time.

Missed Diagnoses in Childhood

Many adults who are now being diagnosed didn’t fit the traditional image of autism when they were kids. Schools and doctors often looked for obvious, outward differences—such as speech delays or difficulty making friends. If a child performed well academically or didn’t have severe social struggles, their challenges were often overlooked.

Adults who had more subtle symptoms or internalize experiences, like sensory sensitivities, social exhaustion, and anxiety, weren’t always recognized as signs of autism. Girls and marginalized groups, in particular, were underdiagnosed because they often presented traits differently or developed strong coping mechanisms to blend in. As a result, many autistic individuals grew up without realizing why certain aspects of life felt so challenging.

Increased Self-Awareness and Advocacy for Autism

One major reason more adults are getting diagnosed is increased access to information. Social media, books, and online communities have helped people learn about autism in ways that go beyond childhood stereotypes. People are learning autism doesn’t always look the way it’s been portrayed in the media. Many adults have come across descriptions of autism that resonate deeply with their own experiences, prompting them to seek evaluations.

More autistic adults are also sharing their stories, helping others recognize the signs in themselves. At the same time, the stigma around autism is beginning to lessen, making more people feel comfortable exploring the possibility of an autism diagnosis. For many, finally understanding their neurodivergence is incredibly validating—it provides an explanation for struggles they’ve faced their entire lives.

Life Changes That Prompt an Autism Diagnosis

Some people go through life managing their challenges without realizing there’s a name for them. But major life transitions—such as starting college, changing careers, or becoming a parent—often means their previous coping strategies are no longer enough for the demands in their life. Often adults who are not diagnosed until later in life have found ways to manage but the accompanying challenges that come with life changes may overwhelm them and make it difficult for them to function, leading individuals to seek help and, ultimately, an autism diagnosis.

Burnout, anxiety, and mental health struggles also push many adults to look for answers. Many times they start seeking treatment for another mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, because these symptoms are causing more distress. Somewhere along their journey, they or someone else may mention autism. Things they never understood about themselves before finally begin to click and make sense on a completely different level. In some cases, parents recognize autistic traits in themselves after their own child is diagnosed, sparking self-reflection and a journey toward their own evaluation.

Barriers to Autism Diagnosis

Despite increased awareness, getting an autism diagnosis as an adult isn’t always easy. Most clinicians have focused on the childhood diagnosis and are not adequately trained to evaluate and diagnose autism in adults. Stereotypes about what autism “looks like” still influence professionals, leading to misdiagnoses or dismissals. Gender biases also play a role, particularly for women and nonbinary individuals whose traits might not match outdated diagnostic criteria. 

Furthermore, many adults are initially misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or personality disorders before realizing autism better explains their experiences. Finding a clinician who is trained in understanding autism in adults and has the appropriate credentials can be extremely difficult. On top of that, the cost and accessibility of assessments can be significant barriers. 

Seeking an Adult Autism Diagnosis? We Can Help

At Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants, we specialize in assessments for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Ritchie is a licensed psychologist who was also diagnosed later in life with ADHD. She has unique training combined with the personal experience of going through life without having a name for many of her challenges. If you’ve been wondering whether autism or some other type of neurodivergence might explain some of your life experiences, we’re here to guide you through the evaluation process with care and understanding.

Visit our website for more information or reach out to us at office@gbhconsultants.com with any questions about autism assessments for adults.