Clinical characteristics and camouflaging behaviors in children and adolescents with late-diagnosed autism spectrum disorder: a retrospective descriptive study

Purpose

Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, together with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Camouflaging-related behaviors and co-occurring psychiatric disorders may make autistic features less visible and contribute to delayed recognition. This study aimed to examine clinical characteristics and camouflaging-related behaviors among children and adolescents with late-diagnosed autism.