AI Insight
A study examining medical records from the United Kingdom and Sweden has found that the medical profiles of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have undergone significant changes since 2010. The research, published in BMJ Mental Health, analyzed patterns in diagnoses and associated health conditions among autistic adults over more than a decade. The findings suggest notable shifts in the characteristics and co-occurring medical conditions of individuals receiving autism diagnoses in adulthood.
Why it matters
These changes in medical profiles could reflect evolving diagnostic criteria, increased awareness of autism in adults, or genuine shifts in the population seeking diagnosis. Understanding these trends is important for healthcare planning, resource allocation, and ensuring appropriate support services are available for the changing demographic of adults being diagnosed with autism.
Understand the Science
The medical profiles of adults diagnosed with autism have changed since 2010, finds a study of medical records in the U.K. and Sweden, published in the online journal BMJ Mental Health.
Source: Major changes discovered in medical profiles of adults diagnosed with autism since 2010