Exploring the Impact of Autism Diagnosis Age on Mental Health

A mother and her son looking at each other across a kitchen table with a tablet

This report summarises research on how the age at which autism is identified relates to anxiety, depression and quality of life in adolescence and adulthood, and what that means for screening in New Jersey.

Across the studies reviewed, people identified earlier tended to report better mental health as adults — not because a diagnosis changes a person, but because it opens the door to support, accommodations and a community that understands them sooner.

Families who are wondering whether to seek an evaluation can start with the Diagnosis page in Understanding Autism, or call the Helpline at 800.4.AUTISM to talk it through with a specialist.

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