UK Autism Cases Up 10-Fold: ADHD, Anxiety Replace Epilepsy

Autism diagnoses in the UK have seen a tenfold increase over the last decade, rising from six per 100,000 people in 2010 to 64 per 100,000 in 2023. This surge is accompanied by a significant change in the profile of co-occurring conditions. Historically, autistic adults were more frequently diagnosed with epilepsy and intellectual disability. However, recent research reveals a marked shift, with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and eating disorders becoming more prevalent since 2010.

This evolving diagnostic landscape is particularly evident in specific demographics. The study noted a rapid increase in autism diagnoses among 16 to 20-year-olds in the UK, alongside a rise in diagnoses among women and white individuals. Concurrently, there has been a consistent decline in the proportion of autistic adults with prior diagnoses of epilepsy, psychosis, and intellectual disability.

Experts suggest these changes may reflect improved recognition of nuanced autism presentations, especially in females, who may use masking behaviors. However, there is also a concern about potential overdiagnosis, where ordinary life experiences could be misidentified as medical problems. This shift in diagnostic patterns indicates a transition from conditions with neurological signs to those with prior mental health issues, particularly impacting late-diagnosed autism cases.