What Research Exists on Autism Misdiagnosis Rates?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Modern autism misdiagnosis research reveals that diagnostic accuracy remains a major concern. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years, receiving labels like ADHD or anxiety before autism is even considered. Several scientific studies highlight just how widespread these errors can be, some showing that up to 75% of individuals receive multiple diagnoses before autism is correctly identified.

What makes this issue even more complex is the inconsistency between services. Prevalence data shows that some assessment centres diagnose autism in 85% of referrals, while others report less than 40%. This wide variation, found in both private and public sectors, points to significant issues in clinical consistency. The most recent findings published in medical journals confirm that these patterns are not just anecdotal but statistically supported, especially in adult populations who were missed entirely in childhood.

Key Findings from Research

Here are some of the standout points that explain how autism misdiagnosis continues to affect individuals and families:

Delayed and Incorrect Diagnoses

Many people spend years receiving mental health treatment for unrelated conditions before autism is even considered.

Changing Diagnoses Over Time

Some individuals lose their diagnosis upon re-evaluation, highlighting the shifting nature of diagnostic interpretation, especially in children.

Uneven Assessment Standards

Diagnostic outcomes vary drastically depending on where and how someone is assessed, making location a surprising factor in receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Improving consistency in assessment practices and better education among clinicians are vital steps forward.

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.