A large international study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autism diagnosed early in life is fundamentally different from autism diagnosed later on. The findings, published in Nature, analyzed data from more than 45,000 autistic individuals and showed that the timing of diagnosis often reflects distinct biology and development.The research team suggests this means that the term "autism" likely describes multiple conditions, not just one. There are many misconceptions about autism in the media, many believe it can be caused by bad parenting, that it can only affect boys as well as that it can be cured. While these may not be true, can it change overtime or develop into something else? What is Autism? According to Mayo Clinic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how the brain develops. It changes how people understand and interact with the world around them. This causes challenges in two main areas: Social Life and Communication: People with ASD often find it hard to talk with others and socialize.Behaviors: The condition also involves having interests or behaviors that are very specific and often repeated.The word "spectrum" is key because it means ASD affects people in many different ways. Some people have mild symptoms, while others have more severe challenges. Over time, it can make it hard for a person to manage in social situations, school, or at work. Many children show signs of autism within their first year of life. A few children seem to develop normally at first, but then lose some skills and start showing autism symptoms between 18 and 24 months old. Early Diagnosis vs. Later Diagnosis: What's the Difference? The study found two distinct groups based on when a person received their autism diagnosis: Early Diagnosis (Typically Before Age Six) These children were more likely to show social and behavioral difficulties from a very young age. Their traits are often easier to spot by parents and doctors, leading to a quicker diagnosis. Their underlying genetic profile is distinct and shares less in common with other mental health conditions. Later Diagnosis (Late Childhood or Adolescence and Beyond) These individuals often saw their social and behavioral challenges emerge or become noticeable during adolescence. They have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Their average genetic profile is surprisingly closer to that of ADHD and depression than it is to the genetic profile of early-diagnosed autism. What Role Do Genetics Play In Autism? The findings show that the difference in diagnosis timing is due to more than just how quickly families access care; it's also linked to genetics. Genetic Overlap The study found a strong genetic connection between later-diagnosed autism and psychiatric disorders. This suggests that certain genetic factors might make these individuals naturally more prone to mental health issues. Lack of Early Support Researchers also stress that not getting support in early childhood likely plays a role. Going undiagnosed makes people more vulnerable to difficulties like bullying, which significantly increases the risk of mental health struggles later on. The authors hope these findings will change how autism is understood, studied, and supported, allowing for better help for autistic people of all ages.
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