Getting diagnosed at 30: why many adults are only now discovering their autism

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which begins in early childhood and remains with individuals throughout their lives. However, an increasing number of individuals are only receiving a diagnosis in their late 20s or 30s. This does not mean there has been a sudden spike in new cases; what it reveals is that existing medical conditions have been undiagnosed for an extended period. With increased awareness and access to resources, many adults are now looking back at their life experiences and realising that certain patterns, challenges, and behaviours that they exhibit match the diagnostic criteria for autism, and so, they seek a formal evaluation.