Why Are Girls Diagnosed with Autism Later in Ontario?

In Ontario, speaking up early for an assessment can matter.

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Why Are Girls Diagnosed with Autism Later in Ontario? Level 1 autism can be missed when masking makes social difficulties less visible. The result is that many girls are first given other diagnoses before autism is eventually identified. In Ontario, speaking up early for an assessment can matter. Write down the behaviours you notice and how they affect daily life. Ask whether the clinician has experience assessing girls. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/do-girls-get-diagnosed-later

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In Ontario, speaking up early for an assessment can matter. A short explainer with music and captions. 50 seconds.

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Facts 3
Sources 3

Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window

Primary source Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, et al. (2015) Verified 2015-10-01

1 in 50

According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis

Primary source Public Health Agency of Canada (2024) Verified 2024-03-26

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Primary source World Health Organization (2025) Verified 2025-09-17
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Last system verification: 2026-11-03. Next scheduled update: 2027-02-01.

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Written by Spencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Lived experience: Parent of autistic child in the OAP system