How Often Do Doctors Misdiagnose Adult Autism?

PostedNovember 6, 2025

UpdatedNovember 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The misdiagnosis of adult autism is unfortunately quite common, often due to clinical errors or misinterpretation of symptoms. Studies suggest that many adults with autism go undiagnosed or are diagnosed with other conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, leading to significant delays in receiving the right support. This is primarily due to diagnostic challenges in recognising autism in adults, especially when the symptoms are subtle or masked by coping mechanisms.

Autism displays differently in adults compared to children, and many individuals have developed strategies to camouflage their autism traits, making them less visible to healthcare professionals. As a result, doctors may focus on the more apparent symptoms, like anxiety or depression, without considering autism as the underlying cause. This often leads to misdiagnosis, leaving the person without appropriate care or treatment for years.

Common Symptoms of Misdiagnosed Adult Autism

Here are some common symptoms that may lead to misdiagnosis of adult autism:

Social Communication Challenges:

Adults with autism may struggle with social interactions, often misinterpreted as social anxiety or introversion. Social skills training and support can help individuals manage these difficulties more effectively.

Repetitive Behaviours or Interests:

Intense focus on a specific interest or repetitive actions may be mistaken for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms for these behaviours.

Sensory Sensitivities:

Over-sensitivity to light, sound, or touch is common in adults with autism but can be dismissed as general sensory processing issues. Sensory integration therapy can help manage these sensitivities more effectively.

For personalised support, visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to late diagnosis in adults.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.