Healthcare Trajectories in Autism: Sex Differences and Age at Diagnosis

Strategic Insights -

Research has shed light on the healthcare experiences of individuals with autism, specifically focusing on sex differences and age at diagnosis. A recent study compared the healthcare trajectories (HCTs) of individuals with autism, categorized by sex, age at diagnosis, and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) status. The study used health administrative data from Quebec, Canada, and included 5289 individuals with a first diagnosis of autism between 2012 and 2015.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cohort consisted of 76.6% males and 26.3% adults at the time of diagnosis, with a decrease in healthcare use over time, though intensity was higher in females.
  • Sex differences in HCTs were strongly influenced by IDD status and age at diagnosis, with notable differences in psychiatric condition profiles between males and females.
  • Hospital days nearly doubled for females diagnosed in childhood compared to males, while males with IDD diagnosed with autism in childhood and males without IDD diagnosed in adulthood had fewer physical illness visits.
  • The research concluded that despite generally managed physical and mental health challenges in ambulatory care during youth, high hospitalization rates in those diagnosed in adulthood, particularly females and those with IDD, highlight concerns about continuity of care and avoidable hospitalizations for these subgroups of patients.

Statistics:

  • 5289 individuals were included in the cohort.
  • 76.6% of the cohort was male.
  • 26.3% of the cohort was adults at the time of diagnosis.
  • Hospital days nearly doubled for females diagnosed in childhood compared to males.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Data from University of Sherbrooke Update Understanding of Developmental Disabilities (Male and Female Healthcare Trajectories In Autism: Are There Any Differences Considering Age At Diagnosis and Intellectual or Developmental ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. July 21, 2025; p. 444.
  • University of Sherbrooke: Melanie Couture
  • Autism Research: Wiley-Blackwell, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Autism Research - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1939-3806)