What Are False Negatives in Autism Screening?

PostedNovember 10, 2025

UpdatedNovember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

False negatives in autism screening occur when a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is incorrectly classified as not having the condition based on their screening results. This missed diagnosis happens when the screening tool fails to detect autism symptoms, leading to an under-detection of the disorder. While autism screening tools are designed to flag potential concerns, no screening method is perfect, and false negatives are a known limitation.

A false negative result can delay the identification of autism, meaning the child may not receive the appropriate interventions or support early on. This is particularly concerning, as early intervention plays a key role in improving outcomes for children with autism. Understanding the reasons behind screening errors can help families navigate the next steps for their child’s development.

How False Negatives in Autism Screening Occur

Here’s how false negatives in autism screening can happen:

Missed Diagnosis:

Some children may have subtle or less obvious symptoms of autism that are not easily detected during routine screening. For instance, a child who exhibits mild social challenges or who only has communication delays might not trigger concerns on a screening tool, resulting in a missed diagnosis.

Under-Detection:

It occurs when a child’s autism traits are overlooked because the screening tool focuses on more obvious or well-known symptoms. Children with high-functioning autism or those whose symptoms appear later in development might not be flagged during the early stages of screening.

Screening Error:

It can happen for various reasons, including when a parent or caregiver provides incomplete information, or if the screening tool is not sensitive enough to detect early signs of autism. This can result in a false negative despite the presence of autism traits.

Despite the possibility of false negatives in autism screening, the process remains valuable for raising awareness and prompting further evaluation. For expert advice and personalised consultations, visit providers like Autism Detect to help ensure accurate identification and early intervention.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve 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 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.