How Common is Autism Misdiagnosis?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Understanding autism misdiagnosis rates is crucial in improving access to the right support. Studies suggest that a significant number of people on the spectrum are either diagnosed late or misdiagnosed with a different condition first. These high misdiagnosis statistics are due, in part, to the diverse ways autism presents across age groups, genders, and co-occurring conditions.

The prevalence of misdiagnosis is hard to pin down exactly, but some research estimates that up to 20% of individuals with autism were initially given another diagnosis. These errors often stem from low diagnostic accuracy, particularly when symptoms overlap with ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences. The impact can be serious: delayed support, emotional confusion, and inappropriate interventions that do more harm than good.

Symptoms Often Mistaken for Other Conditions

Certain behaviours or traits can easily lead to autism misdiagnosis, especially when misunderstood in clinical settings.

Strong Need for Routine

Individuals who become distressed when routines change may be seen as overly rigid or obsessive, when this is actually a common autistic trait.

Hyperfocus or Deep Interest in Specific Topics

This can be wrongly interpreted as an obsession or compulsive behaviour, when in fact it’s a signature strength of many autistic people.

Struggles with Small Talk or Group Conversations

These challenges are sometimes labelled as social anxiety or introversion, missing the broader context of neurodivergence.

Better awareness of these signs and improved assessments is key to reducing misdiagnosis.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis.

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.