Why does it seem like more adults are being diagnosed with autism?

Autism spectrum disorder, a developmental and neurological condition, can affect every aspect of life, from how someone communicates to the way they learn and their ability to interact with the world at large. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood, but over the past few years more adults are being diagnosed with autism. Why does it feel like rates of adult autism are going up?

Licensed clinical mental health counselor Veronda Bellamy, LCMHCS, noted that there’s more going on than meets the eye when it comes to adult autism.

 The traits were always there

“Many adults are now recognizing traits in themselves that may have gone undiagnosed for years,” said Bellamy. “In my practice, I have observed a noticeable increase in adults questioning whether they may be on the autism spectrum. Out of every five new patients, more than 30% suspect they may be neurodivergent, though many remain unconfirmed and are awaiting formal testing.”

Bellamy noted that neurodivergence is an umbrella term that covers a broad range of ways that someone shows up or experiences the world, and many different conditions may fall under that umbrella. Autism spectrum disorder refers to a specific type of neurodivergence.

Social media and other online sources have fed into a growing awareness of adult autism, in large part because of the way it’s opened new conversations about neurodivergence in general and provided opportunities for those who were never diagnosed as children to have an explanation for difficulties and misunderstandings that have plagued them throughout their lives.

Because some signs or aspects of autism can echo signs of other conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more, there are many adults looking back on those other diagnoses and wondering if, in the end, they may have been misdiagnosed by a system that overlooked them.

The focus on mental health changed after 2020

“Since 2019, I have engaged in professional training that has deepened my understanding of neurodivergence in ways the field had not historically emphasized,” said Bellamy. “Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic brought mental health into global focus.”

The pandemic and its associated lockdowns, shift to remote work and other difficulties pushed many people into survival mode. Many people felt they needed support and clarity around their emotional and mental experience of the pandemic, or they found themselves simply wanting to understand aspects of themselves they had only just begun to truly take note of.

As a result, behavioral science has continued to evolve rapidly.

The criteria for diagnosing autism have changed in the past three decades

“Part of the reason it feels like autism diagnoses are skyrocketing is, frankly, due to changes in the diagnostic criteria since the 1990s,” said Bellamy. “The spectrum of behaviors we are talking about when we look at autism has changed really significantly.”

Someone who would not have been diagnosed in 1993 under the diagnostic criteria of that time period might receive a diagnosis today. It looks like ‘more autism,’ but the condition was already present. It just wasn’t being recognized.

There has also been a large shift in the stigma around the disorder, due in part to the internet offering the chance for autistic adults, children or caregivers to speak openly and honestly. There are not just more people able to be evaluated and diagnosed, but also many more people willing to talk about what it means to ‘stim’, or use repetitive behaviors like spinning, flapping your hands or making repeated sounds as a way of self-soothing or self-regulating, what sensory seeking looks like and other aspects of autism that were once poorly understood by the public.

So, what should you do if you think you may be on the autism spectrum?

“First off, it’s important to discuss your concerns with a therapist,” said Bellamy. “A therapist can help assess your symptoms, explore your history and determine whether a referral for formal evaluation is appropriate.”

If referred to a psychologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorder, you’ll receive a deeper evaluation. There’s no ‘test’ for autism, as it’s a developmental condition that can have a huge variety of effects on your everyday life. Instead, your clinician will work with you to put together a thorough medical history and ask you questions about your physical, emotional and mental health as it might relate to an adult autism diagnosis.

It’s a combination of evaluation and assessment, rather than a test or tool, that can provide an accurate ASD diagnosis.

“Within my practice, I utilize screening tools after the initial comprehensive assessment and several sessions to help determine whether a referral for formal testing is clinically appropriate,” said Bellamy. “I will at that time make a referral. Receiving a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder takes time, but it can provide immense relief simply to have this understanding of yourself.”

Many adults seek a diagnosis after seeing the same behaviors in their own children

It’s not uncommon for a parent to realize, as they go through the process of their own child being diagnosed with ASD, ADHD or other neurodivergence, that they themselves either once had or still have the same behaviors that can lead to diagnosis today. Others may have come across informative content online that leads them to see echoes of their own behaviors in those of the diagnosed individual in the video, blog or social media post they’re looking at. Either way, it can feel like a veil is finally lifted from the confusing, sometimes distressing memories of their childhood.

Even with the potential costs and time commitment that come with getting an official diagnosis, for many it’s worth it to finally feel seen, understood and believed.

The change in stigma offers real potential for the future

The stigma surrounding autism and neurodivergence is shifting. That shift reflects progress, both clinically and culturally, and points toward a more informed and compassionate future in behavioral health.

“I am proud to be a therapist,” said Bellamy. “I believe that accurate diagnosis empowers individuals to better understand themselves, navigate life more effectively and move toward self-actualization. I find a lot of joy in helping my patients in that journey.”

Sometimes, simply understanding yourself makes all the difference.