This study examined the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed autism in England, revealing significant underdiagnosis, particularly among adults and older adults. As of 2018, while 2.94% of 10–14-year-olds had a diagnosis, only 0.02% of those aged 70+ were diagnosed, suggesting many older autistic individuals remain undiagnosed. The findings highlight the urgent need to expand and improve access to adult autism diagnostic services.
This study examined the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed autism in England, revealing significant underdiagnosis, particularly among adults and older adults. As of 2018, while 2.94% of 10–14-year-olds had a diagnosis, only 0.02% of those aged 70+ were diagnosed, suggesting many older autistic individuals remain undiagnosed. The findings highlight the urgent need to expand and improve access to adult autism diagnostic services.