Autism isn’t one condition but four, according to new research that could help children get diagnosed earlier and receive more tailored support.
Scientists in the US analysed data from more than 5,000 children and found the disorder falls into four clear types, each with its own set of traits, risks and causes.
The findings could help explain why some are diagnosed late, why some develop other mental health problems, and why the condition can look very different from one person to the next, they say.
The most common, seen in 37 per cent of cases, was marked by difficulties with socialising and repetitive behaviours—but no delays in early development.
Children in this group are often diagnosed later and are more likely to develop conditions such as ADHD, anxiety or depression.
Researchers found this type was linked to genes involved in later brain development, which may explain the delayed diagnosis.
The second group, called ‘Moderate Challenges’, made up 34 per cent of cases and showed similar behaviours but without the raised risk of mental health problems.
The third group, described as ‘Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay’, made up around one in five children with the condition.