A major study reveals that girls with autism are far less likely than boys to receive a diagnosis during childhood. Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that boys were three to four times more likely to be diagnosed before the age of 10. However, by the time people reach age 20, diagnosis rates for men and women are nearly equal.

The lead author explained that these findings suggest the actual gap in autism rates between genders is much smaller than previously believed. The difference appears to exist because women are often overlooked or diagnosed much later in life.

An editorial published alongside the study argues that this discrepancy is caused by systemic biases in diagnostic tools rather than a real difference in how often autism occurs. Autism charities are now calling for more action to challenge gender stereotypes, ensuring that women and girls get the diagnosis and support they need on time.