Undiagnosed Autistic Adults in the UK: Statistics and Signs of Autism in Older Individuals

Strategic Insights -

The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London analyzed UK healthcare data from 2018, revealing an estimated 89.29% of autistic adults over 40 in the UK are living without a formal diagnosis. This number increases with age, with 96.51% of men and 97.19% of women over 60 being undiagnosed, while 52.54% of 20- to 39-year-olds and 23.34% of those under 19 have not received a diagnosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • 91.45% of men and 79.48% of women between 40 and 59 years old without an official diagnosis, leading to an overall under-diagnosis rate of 89.29%.
  • 96.29% of men and 97.19% of women with autism over 60 are thought to be undiagnosed, resulting in an overall rate of 96.51%.
  • For younger age groups, the rate of undiagnosed autism is 52.54% for 20- to 39-year-olds and 23.34% for those under 19.
  • Autistic adults often develop a reliance on structure and predictability, which can make them feel more comfortable and in control.
  • People with autism may have very specific and even obsessive interests, particularly subjects or hobbies.
  • Autistic adults can experience heightened sensitivity to sensory sources like light, noise, smells, and textures.
  • Change can be especially challenging for older adults with undiagnosed autism, leading to natural anxieties about a lack of predictability and familiarity.
  • Difficulty understanding social rules, such as unwritten social norms, is a hallmark of autism.
  • Autistic adults may experience struggles in romantic relationships due to difficulties expressing or interpreting affection, discomfort with physical intimacy, or preferring independence.
  • Integration difficulties in the workplace, such as adapting to frequent changes or participating in group meetings, are common among autistic adults.
  • Supportive managers who provide reasonable adjustments can help autistic employees succeed in the workplace.

Statistics:

  • 89.29% of autistic adults over 40 in the UK are living without an official diagnosis.
  • 96.51% of men and 97.19% of women over 60 with autism are thought to be undiagnosed.
  • 91.45% of men and 79.48% of women between 40 and 59 years old without an official diagnosis.
  • 52.54% of 20- to 39-year-olds with autism have not received a diagnosis.
  • 23.34% of those under 19 with autism have not received a diagnosis.

Sources:

  • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London
  • Annual Review Of Developmental Psychology
  • National Autistic Society
  • The Autism Service