From 4 to 1 to 2 to 1. The assumption was wrong.
Autism in men is recognised more quickly than in women, that is correct. But the figures behind it have been significantly adjusted in recent years.
Bigger than you think
2 to 1 to 3 to 1
is the current estimate of the male-female ratio in autism diagnoses, compared to the 4 to 10 to 1 that was long assumed.
~50%
of adults with autism are in a relationship, of whom approximately 80% lives together.
Government sector
according to research by the Dutch Autism Register, the sector where men with autism work most often.
Recognised as a child, not necessarily helped properly
Early recognition in boys is no guarantee of appropriate support afterwards. A diagnosis in childhood says nothing about whether the guidance grows with what someone needs in high school, during a study, or at work.
“I knew I had autism at an early age. What I didn't know was what that meant for my first relationship or my first job.”
It is not in the patient, but in the look
Early diagnosis, no follow-up
A label in childhood does not automatically mean appropriate guidance later age.
Symptoms attributed to character
Difficulty with flexibility or social attunement is seen as a characteristic rather than a signal in adult men.
Crisis as the only reason
Often a major life change is the only reason that research is still conducted.
What does and does not count
What is visible
- Boys who were diagnosed as children getting a diagnosis
- Research into work and relationship patterns in men with autism
- Treatment capacity in youth mental healthcare
What is invisible remains
- Men whose childhood diagnosis has never been followed up with appropriate guidance
- Adult men who have never been examined
- The years between the first signals and the moment of recognition
Where these figures come from
Ratio revised to 2 to 1 to 3 to 1
Relationships and cohabitation in adults with autism
Diagnosis often after major life changes
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