The number of autistic people in England could actually be double the official current figure, according to a new study. Researchers found many adults are left undiagnosed, especially those over 50 with more than nine in ten of this age group without a formal diagnosis.
The team from University College London estimate there are around 1.2 million autistic people in England against a government figure of 700,000. The groundbreaking research was published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe.
Now researchers are calling for better access to diagnostic services for adults, and better support after diagnosis. Famous autistic people include Elon Musk, singer Susan Boyle, actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Darryl Hannah as well as environmentalist Greta Thunberg.
