Diseases & conditions

Study Finds Different Genetic Profiles in Early vs Late Autism

Published OCT 2 2025

Story

Above: A child plays with lego. Image credit: Unsplash

The Facts

An international study has found that children diagnosed with autism before age six typically show behavioral difficulties from early childhood, while those diagnosed after age 10 experience increasing social difficulties during adolescence.
Neuroscience News
guardian
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 45,000 autistic individuals across Europe and the U.S., finding that the genetic profiles of early-diagnosed and later-diagnosed autism differ significantly, challenging the assumption that autism is a single unified condition with one underlying cause.
Medicalxpress
guardian
The study, published Wednesday in Nature, revealed that commonly heritable polygenic factors explain approximately 11% of the variation in age at autism diagnosis, similar to the contribution of sociodemographic and clinical factors, which typically account for less than 15% of this variance.
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Nature
Later-diagnosed individuals showed increased likelihood of mental health conditions such as depression. Genetic analysis revealed stronger overlap between later-diagnosed autism and psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression and PTSD, than with early childhood autism.
Firstpost
guardian
The research team used behavioral data from four birth cohorts, comprising 89 to 188 participants and applied the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to track socioemotional and behavioral trajectories across childhood and adolescence in multiple countries.
Nature
Science Media Centre España
Scientists emphasized that these findings highlight average differences on a gradient rather than distinct diagnostic categories, noting that many individuals fall somewhere between the early and later diagnosis patterns identified in the research.
Bioengineer.org
guardian

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This groundbreaking study reveals that early-childhood autism stems from distinct genetic profiles compared to late-diagnosed cases, challenging the one-size-fits-all model. This genetic divergence explains varied developmental paths, paving the way for personalized therapies that target specific subtypes for better outcomes. Families now have hope for earlier, more effective support.

Nature

NBC

Narrative B

While the study claims separate genetic tracks for early versus late autism, it overlooks environmental factors and overlaps in symptoms. Labeling subtypes prematurely could stigmatize late-diagnosed individuals or divert resources from holistic care, ignoring autism's spectrum nature. More longitudinal data is essential before reshaping diagnostics.

Science Media Centre

New Scientist

Metaculus Prediction

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.