A global rise in autism diagnoses is putting the spotlight on this relatively common neurodevelopmental difference. A recent study identified autism in 1.3% of four- to five-year-olds in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This matches estimates overseas of 1% to 2% of eight-year-olds. In our new research , we looked at how genetic testing could support how people in New Zealand are diagnosed. Genetic screening of 201 autistic individuals, as well as 101 non-autistic family members, found almost 13% of autistic participants had a clearly identified genetic variant.
An additional 16% had a DNA change that likely explained their autism. Importantly, our analysis was successful in identifying autism-linked genetic variants for autistic New Zealanders regardless of neurological differences and other diagnoses such as ADHD. Many of these individuals were adults who grew up before autism was widely recognized.
Diagnosing autism Autism affects cognitive, sensory and social processing. It can change the way people see the world and interact with others. Autistic individuals may experience challenges with social communication and interaction.
They may also have intense interests and a strong need for routines and predictability. These patterns of behavior typically appear from childhood. The challenge with diagnosing autism is that it often occurs along with other neurodevelopmental conditions or mental health challenges such as intellectual disability, ADHD, depression and anxiety.
An autism diagn.