In recent years, much has been said and studied about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially in children at various support levels (1, 2, and 3). However, more recently, the growing number of late diagnoses in adults has been addressed. But why do individuals take a lifetime to discover a neurodivergent condition?
There are frequent reports of people spending their entire lives without feeling or fitting into patterns or behavioral characteristics previously considered "normal" by neurotypical society, as well as the suffering that arises precisely as a consequence of this lack of understanding, knowledge, and self-awareness.
It is also considered that after the diagnosis there seems to be a clarity, familiarity, and alignment of everything that previously seemed not to fit and now makes sense. It's as if after the diagnosis everything could be named and explained, coming along with a feeling of acceptance and belonging that didn't exist before.
The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist and/or neurologist through a neuropsychological evaluation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a set of neurological disorders that impact development, communication, social interaction, behavior, sensory and emotional sensitivity, speech, and cognition, including restrictive and repetitive motor skills; therefore, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder and a permanent condition. (COSTA, 2026)
According to data provided by the Gemini artificial intelligence (GOOGLE, 2026):
Official Data (IBGE Census 2022/2025)
- Total Percentage: 1,2 % of the Brazilian population reported having a diagnosis of ASD.
- Absolute Number: This is equivalent to approximately 2,4 million people.
- Profile by Gender: The prevalence is higher among men (1,5 %) than between women (0,9 %In real numbers, that's about 1,4 million men and 1 million women. (GEMINI, 2026)
🧠 Comorbidities in Adults: Prevalence and Types
Clinical studies indicate that even 70% of autistic adults have at least one psychiatric comorbidity, and about 50% present with multiple disorders.. (GEMINI GOOGLE, 2026).
1. Psychiatric Comorbidities (The most common)
In adults, mental health issues tend to be more prevalent than in childhood, often exacerbated by efforts at social camouflage (mask).
| Condition | Estimated Prevalence in Autistic Individuals | General Population Comparison |
| Anxiety | 27% a 84% | ~3% to 7% |
| Depression | 23% a 26% | Up to 7% |
| ADHD | 28% a 44% | Up to 5% |
| TOC | High (data varies) | Up to 2% |
2. Physiological and Neurological Comorbidities
- Sleep Disorders: They affect between 50% and 80% of individuals on the spectrum. Adults frequently report insomnia and fragmented sleep.
- Epilepsy: Present in up to 35 % of autistic people (compared to 1% of the general population).
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Autistic people even have 4 times more chances to suffer from reflux, constipation, or severe food selectivity.
- Sensory Deficits: Auditory, visual, or tactile hypersensitivity is reported by the vast majority of adults, being one of the bases for autistic burnout (burnout).
⚠️ The Challenge of Differential Diagnosis
A critical statistic in adults is... overlapping symptomsOften, autism is mistaken for other conditions before a correct diagnosis is made.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Often confused with autism in women due to emotional dysregulation.
- Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings can mask sensory crises (meltdowns) or periods of hyperfocus.
- Schizophrenia: Signs of social isolation and atypical communication can lead to misdiagnosis in cases requiring level 1 or 2 support.
Important Note: The Brazilian Senate recently approved (October 2025) bills that encourage specific diagnosis for adults and the elderly, aiming to reduce this clinical gap.
Despite the Quota Law (Law No. 8.213/91)However, the inclusion of autistic adults in the formal job market is still low.
- Unemployment: Global and local estimates indicate that up to 80% or more The majority of autistic adults are excluded from the formal job market.
- Difficulties: The selection process (interviews based on "soft skills" and eye contact) and the sensory environment of the offices (fluorescent lights, noise) are the main barriers.
Brazil has one of the most robust legal frameworks in the world for the protection of autistic people, based on the principle that an autistic person is, for all legal purposes, a [person with autism spectrum disorder/affectation]. person with disabilities (PwD).
Between 2024 and 2026, new updates expanded these rights, focusing on diagnosis in adults and inclusion in the labor market.
According to Lima, another reason to consider in late diagnosis is social "camouflage." Individuals who did not receive a diagnosis in childhood because they presented with level 1 support, with more subtle symptoms, end up masking (consciously or not) their autistic characteristics and behaviors.
According to research conducted using Google's Gemini AI, there are English terms that name sensations and behaviors characteristic of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which can be better understood as follows:
1. Masking (Social Camouflage)
The term refers to the conscious or unconscious effort of an autistic person to... hiding autistic traits and to imitate neurotypical behaviors in order to "fit in".
- Examples: Force eye contact, rehearse conversations before speaking, suppress repetitive movements (stimming).
- Cost: It generates severe mental exhaustion and can lead to a loss of one's own identity.
2. Meltdown (Explosive Crisis)
It's an intense response to a sensory or emotional overloadIt's not a "tantrum"; it's an involuntary loss of control when the brain can no longer process stimuli.
- Manifestation: Uncontrollable crying, screaming, jerky body movements, or aggressive behavior (towards oneself or objects).
- Cause: Excessive noise, abrupt changes in routine, or accumulated stress.
3. Shutdown (Shutdown Crisis)
contrary to meltdown, shutdown accumulators is a internal crisisIt's as if the system "crashed" to protect itself.
- Manifestation: The individual becomes apathetic, may stop talking (selective mutism), appears "empty," or withdraws to a dark and quiet place.
- Sensation: Extreme fatigue and inability to process any external information.
4. Stimming (Self-stimulation)
Refers to repetitive behaviors which help the nervous system to self-regulate.
- Function: To calm down in moments of anxiety or to express intense joy.
- Examples: Swaying the body, snapping fingers, repeating words (echolalia), or visual stimuli with the hands.
5. Autistic Burnout
A state of chronic physical and mental exhaustionLoss of skills and reduced tolerance to sensory stimuli.
- Cause: It is usually the result of years of practice. mask and trying to live in an environment that does not respect the needs of the individual.
- Difference: Unlike regular depression, burnout Autistic individuals improve with sensory rest and reduced social demands, not just with conventional psychotherapy.
Bibliographic references
- COSTA, ACS; SANTOS, MR Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood: a scoping review. ID online. Psychology Journal, [sl], v. 18, n. 71, p. 574-589, 2024. Available at: https://idonline.emnuvens.com.br/id/article/view/3964. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- DAYS, RIR et al. Autism and psychiatric comorbidities: a critical analysis of the literature – a systematic review focusing on literature review. Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences, [sl], v. 5, n. 5, p. 3193-3202, 2023. Available at: https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2023v5n5p3193-3202. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- DUARTE, LM; RIBEIRO, VEL; NAZARÉ, WO The influence of late diagnosis on development in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Contemporary Magazine, [sl], v. 4, n. 11, e6555, 2024. Available at: https://revistacontemporanea.org.br/index.php/home/article/view/6555. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- GOOGLE. Gemini (version 1.5 Flash)Response generated from a prompt sent by the user. Available at: https://gemini.google.com/. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- GRUBER GIKOVATE, C.; FÉRES-CARNEIRO, T. Autism in adults: feelings and changes after diagnosis. Psychology and Health in Debate, [sl], v. 10, n. 2, p. 80-100, 2024. Available at: http://psicodebate.dpgpsifpm.com.br/index.php/periodico/article/view/1171. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- MILKYA et al. Comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder: evidence based on clinical records in Goiânia-Goiás. Observatory of the Latin American Economy, [sl], v. 23, n. 7, e10671, 2025. Available at: https://ojs.observatoriolatinoamericano.com/ojs/index.php/olel/article/view/10671. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- LIMA, JF; SOUZA, TR Late diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood: an integrative review. Electronic Journal Health Collection, [sl], v. 24, n. 1, e17401, 2024. Available at: https://periodicorease.pro.br/rease/article/view/17401. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- OLIVEIRA, RM The impact of social camouflage on the late diagnosis of ASD. Health Archive Magazine, [sl], v. 17, n. 4, p. 1-10, 2024. Available at: https://acervomais.com.br/index.php/saude/article/view/16579. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- RODRIGUES, PA Camouflaging oneself to "fit in" has negative consequences for adults with ASD. Journal of USPSão Paulo, January 15, 2025. Available at: https://jornal.usp.br/diversidade/inclusao-social/camuflar-para-se-encaixar-traz-consequencias-negativas-para-adultos-com-tea/. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- SILVA, FG; MOREIRA, LS Autism in adults: Feelings and changes after diagnosis. Psychodebate, [sl], v. 10, n. 1, p. 45-60, 2024. Available at: http://psicodebate.dpgpsifpm.com.br/index.php/periodico/article/view/1171. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
- TEIXEIRA, MC; FERREIRA, JL Mental health of adult autistic women with late diagnosis: An experience report. Health, [sl], v. 17, n. 31, p. 112-130, 2025. Available at: https://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-44272025000100007. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
Key Laws Regarding Autism and Inclusion
1. Berenice Piana Law (The main autism law)
This law is the legal framework that established the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with ASD, equating them to persons with disabilities for all legal purposes.
Reference: BRAZIL. Law No. 12.764 of 27 December 2012Establishes the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and amends paragraph 3 of article 98 of Law No. 8.112, of December 11, 1990. Brasília, DF: Presidency of the Republic, [2012]. Available at: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2011-2014/2012/lei/l12764.htm. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
2. Brazilian Inclusion Law (LBI / Statute of Persons with Disabilities)
A comprehensive law that ensures fundamental rights in all areas (health, education, work) and punishes discrimination.
Reference: BRAZIL. 13.146 Law 6 July 2015. Establishes the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (Statute of Persons with Disabilities). Brasília, DF: Presidency of the Republic, [2015]. Available at: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2015-2018/2015/lei/l13146.htm. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
3. Romeo Mion Law (Identification Card)
It establishes the CIPTEA (Brazilian Identity Card for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder), facilitating identification and priority service, avoiding the embarrassment of having to prove the condition at all times.
Reference: BRAZIL. Law No. 13.977, of January 8, 2020Amends Law No. 12.764, of December 27, 2012 (Berenice Piana Law), and Law No. 9.265, of February 12, 1996, to establish the Identification Card for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CIPTEA). Brasília, DF: Presidency of the Republic, [2020]. Available at: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2020/lei/l13977.htm. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
4. Law of the Sunflower String
It recognizes the use of the sunflower lanyard as a national symbol for identifying hidden disabilities, such as autism.
Reference: BRAZIL. 14.624 Law 17 July 2023Amends Law No. 13.146, of July 6, 2015 (Statute of Persons with Disabilities), to institute the use of a ribbon lanyard with sunflower designs for the identification of people with hidden disabilities. Brasília, DF: Presidency of the Republic, [2023]. Available at: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2023-2026/2023/lei/l14624.htm. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
5. Inclusive Census Law
It mandates the inclusion of questions about autism in IBGE's demographic censuses, allowing for the creation of public policies based on real data.
Reference: BRAZIL. 13.861 Law 18 July 2019Amends Law No. 7.853, of October 24, 1989, to include the specificities inherent to autism spectrum disorder in demographic censuses. Brasília, DF: Presidency of the Republic, [2019]. Available at: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2019/lei/l13861.htm. Accessed on: 26 Jan. 2026.
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Renata Seta, A staff member at FE UNICAMP, specializing in: Digital Journalism, Creative Writing and Editing, Text Editing, Neuropedagogy, and Tutoring in distance education and higher education teaching; enjoys writing and learning.