Autism diagnoses in children and adolescents continue to gain ground
More and more children, adolescents and young adults in Germany are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2024, the proportion among 0 to 24-year-olds was 1.0 percent, according to an evaluation by the hkk health insurance company. This continued the increase that has been going on for years: in 2023, the rate was still 0.9 percent, in 2022 0.8 percent.
Between 2013 and 2022, the proportion of those affected had even doubled – from 0.4 to 0.8 percent. The current analysis of hkk’s billing data confirms this long-term trend.
Significant gender differences remain: boys and young men are affected more than twice as often (1.4 percent) as girls and young women (0.6 percent). In childhood, the difference is particularly pronounced. Among 15 to 19-year-olds, however, girls are catching up: Here, the rate is 1.6 percent for boys and 1.1 percent for girls. This suggests that autism in girls is often diagnosed later.
A major reason for this is so-called “masking”: Many girls and women learn early on to cover up social abnormalities or to adapt strongly. As a result, their difficulties in everyday life are often less noticeable.
Experts do not attribute the increase in diagnoses solely to an actual increase in autism. Improved diagnostics, greater sensitivity among doctors and educators, and a broader definition of the autism spectrum contribute significantly to this.
The detailed breakdown by age group shows the following picture (figures in percentage):
| Age group | All | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | 0,5 | 0,2 | 0,7 |
| 5–9 years | 1,3 | 0,6 | 2,0 |
| 10–14 years | 1,5 | 0,8 | 2,1 |
| 15–19 years | 1,3 | 1,1 | 1,6 |
| 20–24 years | 0,8 | 0,5 | 0,9 |
Source: hkk billing data 2024
Dr. Cornelius Erbe, Head of Care Management at hkk, emphasized the growing importance of the topic for the health care system. Early support for affected children and their families as well as tailor-made therapy offers are crucial. Better education in daycare centers and schools is also important.
Autism is considered a neurological developmental peculiarity with very different manifestations. Early diagnosis and individually tailored support can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected and their families.
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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