Archive · 2 Oct 2025
New Study Highlights Autism as Diverse, Complex Condition
Scientists have found that autism isn't just one thing; it's like a group of related conditions.
They studied the genes of over 45,000 people with autism in Europe and the US.
They discovered that those diagnosed later in life may have different genes.
These genes are also linked to conditions like depression and ADHD.
This means how autism appears and when it is noticed may relate to differences in genes.
Those diagnosed later may experience more emotional and social difficulties.
Study suggests autism isn't a single condition, but a cluster.
The research was published in the journal Nature.
Scientists analyzed genetic data from over 45,000 autistic people.
Later autism diagnoses may share genetic profiles with depression, ADHD, and PTSD.
Undiagnosed autistic adolescents may face more emotional and peer relationship issues.
- Who
- Researchers including Varun Warrier at the University of Cambridge
- What
- Study linking autism diagnosis timing to genetics
- When
- Published on Wednesday
- Where
- Europe and the US
- Why
- To understand the link between age of autism diagnosis and genetic profiles
Scientists View
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Autism Understanding
Scientists View
Autism may not be a single condition.
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- Study Focus
- Genetic link to autism diagnosis timing
- Published In
- Nature
- Key Finding
- Later diagnoses linked to a different form of autism
- Genetic Profile Link
- Later diagnoses correlate with profiles of depression, ADHD, PTSD
- Study Location
- Europe and the US
- Adult Diagnosis Increase
- 450% increase in adults aged 26-34 between 2011-2022
