CITIZENS NEWS

AUTISM or something else? The MISDIAGNOSIS problem and how to get the right diagnosis

By oliviacook // 2025-03-22

• Autism is commonly misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms and other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders and OCD, among others.
• Women and minorities face higher misdiagnosis rates because of gender issues, masking behaviors and racial disparities in healthcare.
• Misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, including inadequate treatment, mental health challenges and struggles in school and work.
• Receiving the right diagnosis is crucial for accessing proper support, self-understanding and effective interventions.
• If you suspect misdiagnosis, document concerns, seek a second opinion and consult a specialist for further evaluation.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting roughly 1.5 percent of the population. Over the years, autism awareness has grown, leading to more frequent diagnoses. But as understanding expands, so do concerns about accuracy. Many wonder: Is autism overdiagnosed or is it frequently misdiagnosed? The reality is both can happen and the consequences can be significant for individuals seeking clarity about their mental health.

Why autism is often misdiagnosed

Diagnosing autism is inherently complex. Unlike conditions confirmed through a lab test or brain scan, autism is identified based on observed behaviors and self-reported experiences. Clinicians must analyze symptom patterns to determine whether someone has ASD, which leaves room for misinterpretation. Autism exists on a broad spectrum, meaning symptoms vary widely among individuals. Many autistic people also have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This overlap can lead doctors to attribute autism-related traits to another disorder – or vice-versa. (Related: Understanding AUTISM: A comprehensive look at its causes and impact, according to science.) A 2021 study published in Brain Sciences found that over 75 percent of participants diagnosed with ASD received their diagnosis approximately eight years after their initial mental health evaluation. Another 2019 study in Autism Research examined close to 4,500 children and found that 25 percent exhibited symptoms of autism but had not been diagnosed. The delay in diagnosis can result in years of misunderstanding, mismanagement and frustration (to say the least) for individuals and families seeking answers.

Common misdiagnoses: When autism is mistaken for something else

Autism is often mistaken for other conditions because many of its traits overlap with those of other mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders:

• Anxiety disorders and social anxiety: Autistic people often struggle with social interactions, which can be mistaken for social anxiety disorder (SAD) or avoidant personality disorder (APD). However, unlike social anxiety, where the fear stems from judgment, autistic individuals may experience discomfort in social settings due to sensory overload or difficulty understanding social cues.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Both autism and ADHD involve difficulties with executive functioning, hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them easy to confuse. While ADHD is characterized by difficulties controlling impulses and sustaining attention, autistic individuals may struggle with attention due to sensory sensitivities or intense focus on special interests.

• Eating disorders: Many autistic individuals have rigid eating habits or food sensitivities due to sensory processing difficulties. This can be mistaken for an eating disorder, particularly if they avoid certain textures or flavors rather than restricting intake due to body image concerns.

• Intellectual disability: Difficulties with communication and social cues can sometimes be attributed to intellectual disability rather than autism. However, many autistic individuals have average or above-average intelligence but struggle with expressing themselves in conventional ways.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): The repetitive behaviors and rituals seen in autism, such as hand-flapping or adhering to strict routines, can resemble compulsions in OCD. However, OCD compulsions are driven by intrusive thoughts, whereas autistic routines and repetitive behaviors often  provide comfort or regulate sensory input.

• Personality disorders and mood disorders: Emotional regulation challenges in autistic individuals may be confused with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. While both conditions can involve mood instability, autism-related emotional regulation difficulties are often linked to sensory overload or changes in routine.

• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Sensory processing differences in autistic individuals – such as heightened sensitivity to sounds or lights – may be misinterpreted as hallucinations, leading to an incorrect diagnosis of schizophrenia. Additionally, autistic individuals may struggle with communication in ways that can be mistaken for thought disorder symptoms.

Gender and racial disparities in autism diagnosis

Gender and racial disparities add further complications. Research suggests that autism is more frequently overlooked in girls and women. Traditional diagnostic tools were designed based on studies predominantly conducted with male participants, leading to a bias in symptom identification. Women are more likely to mask their autistic traits – consciously or unconsciously – by mimicking social behaviors. This tendency can delay or prevent an accurate diagnosis. A 2019 review in Current Psychiatry Reports highlights that women tend to show more social motivation and fewer hyperactive or impulsive behaviors compared to autistic men, making their symptoms less obvious to clinicians. Another study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders suggests that women are more likely to camouflage their autistic traits, which further contributes to misdiagnosis. Racial and ethnic disparities in autism diagnosis are also well-documented. The 2019 study published in Autism Research analyzed the medical and educational records of 266,000 children and found that Black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive an autism diagnosis compared with white children. In many cases, their symptoms were attributed to other behavioral or learning disorders, preventing them from receiving appropriate support. The consequences of these disparities are profound, as early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for autistic individuals.

The consequences of misdiagnosis

When someone receives the wrong diagnosis – or is denied a diagnosis altogether – they may not get the support they need. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments, potentially worsening mental health struggles. Some individuals are prescribed medication for conditions they don't have, exposing them to unnecessary side effects while missing out on the proper accommodations for their actual needs. Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed autistic individuals often face challenges in education and employment, as difficulties with communication, executive function and social interaction may not be properly addressed. Furthermore, a delayed autism diagnosis can impact self-identity. A 2022 study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that autistic children who received a late diagnosis often struggled with mental health and relationships before their diagnosis, with some developing harmful coping mechanisms as they reached adolescence.

What to do if you suspect a misdiagnosis

If you suspect you or your child has been misdiagnosed, there are steps you can take. Start by documenting symptoms and patterns that align with autism, noting why you believe ASD might be the correct diagnosis. Seeking a second (or third) opinion can be beneficial, especially from clinicians specializing in autism. Neuropsychologists, developmental pediatricians and psychiatrists with expertise in ASD can provide more thorough evaluations. If your concerns are dismissed, advocacy is key. "You know yourself – or your child – better than anyone and persistence can lead to the clarity and support needed to thrive. Autism diagnosis is a complex process and misdiagnosis is a common challenge. Whether due to overlapping symptoms, gender biases or racial disparities, the consequences can be significant. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward ensuring that autistic individuals receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate support. For those who suspect a misdiagnosis, seeking further evaluation and trusting their experiences can make all the difference in finding the right answers. Watch the following video about the AUTISM PLANDEMIC, How are you healing your children? With Kerri Rivera and Paul Brooker. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Autism and pregnancy: What science says about risk factors. Rethinking autism: How maternal health during pregnancy influences a child’s autism risk. Autism, genes and hormones: How the placenta may hold clues to autism puzzle. Sources include: Healthline.com MDPI.com OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com PsychCentral.com Link.Springer.com 1 Link.Springer.com 2 ACAMH.OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com Brighteon.com

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