Autism Symptoms May Be underrecognized in Young Girls, Leading to Delayed Diagnosis
MINNEAPOLIS – Autism symptoms often present differently-and more subtly-in young girls compared to boys, perhaps contributing to later diagnoses and under-identification, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open (2025; Doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25887). The findings highlight a critical need for increased awareness and refined diagnostic criteria to ensure equitable access to early intervention for all children.
The research,conducted by the Baby Sibling Research Consortium (BSRC),analyzed data from 4,550 children aged 1.5 to 3.5 years. This included 3,106 children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism (high family likelihood,or HFL) and 1,444 children without affected siblings (low family likelihood,or LFL),encompassing a total of 7,557 observation visits. The study underscores the importance of recognizing the nuanced presentation of autism in girls to avoid diagnostic delays and ensure timely support.
