Many studies about Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has shown that autism presents itself different in women compared to men (by “women”, we are referring to anyone born as a female). However, we now know that heart attacks and strokes, for example, impact men differently to women, therefore this gap in knowledge can have devastating consequences for women. Many studies, areas of research and assessments weren’t separated by gender which meant much of healthcare focused on how disabilities, diseases and treatments impacted men. It is also important to keep in mind that this is just a short summary and only trained accredited specialists can make an autism diagnosis.For decades, healthcare was based on viewing men as the ‘standard’ body type. To be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder an individual does not need to display all of these signs, but rather must meet a specific combination of criteria across the two domains of communication and social interaction and behaviours. It is unlikely that a girl or woman will display all of these characteristics. It is important to remember that the information above is simply a list of some of the common signs and characteristics of autism. Preparing expressions, phrases and jokes in advance to use in conversations with others.Forcing themselves to make and maintain eye contact in social interactions.Imitating the gestures, expressions and body language of others.Mimicking others’ behaviours as a means of gaining acceptance and blending in.Being able to camouflage or mask the signs of autism.Some of the characteristics that adult women with an autism diagnosis commonly report, include: This can lead to anxiety and the development of co-morbid mental health issues, particularly if autism has not been formally diagnosed. Some characteristics of autism can lead girls on the spectrum to lack self-confidence and have poor levels of self-esteem. Being considered an overly fussy eater.Interests that are advanced for their age.These interests may stem from a desire to match those of their peers, or to fit in with others of the same age Intense interests, which may be focussed on culture, art, people, music or animals.Repetitive behaviours, such as hair twirling.Play can be one-sided, or overly controlled.A highly developed imagination and enjoyment of fiction, pretend and fantasy play.A range of non-verbal communication skills.Language skills that may appear to be advanced for their age.A well developed sense of justice that means they may stand up for others.Having a tendency to get ‘mothered’ by peers at primary school.A tendency to become very intense and possessive in friendships, which can also end very suddenly.Having a very limited number of close friendships.Copying or mimicking others’ speech and actions in social situations.Seen by others as quirky, or a day dreamer.An ability to keep emotions under control in social scenarios, but prone to becoming upset or distressed at home as a means of release.Can be seen as extrovert when it comes to their interests and hobbies.Being seen by others as excessively shy, or preferring not to engage with others.Avoiding or not seeking social interaction.Masking or camouflaging the challenges presented by the characteristics of autism through a range of strategies.However, there are also some signs of autism that are more commonly observed in girls and women, and which may account for the lower incidence of autism diagnoses in females. Girls tend to be diagnosed as being on the spectrum at a significantly later age than boys.Įveryone’s lived experience of being on the spectrum is unique, but there are many characteristics of autism that are shared by both boys and girls, men and women alike.Girls are thought to use masking or camouflaging more frequently than males, and are more reluctant to draw attention to themselves.When boys display characteristics of autism, these are more likely to be recognised by parents, carers, teachers or health professionals.A bias towards males in the diagnosis process, with the specific needs of girls on the spectrum not sufficiently researched.Research suggests there may be a number of different reasons as to why girls are diagnosed with autism less frequently: It is also generally the case that when girls are diagnosed, it is later on than males. The ratio of male:female autism diagnoses is thought to be about 4-3:1, although this likely does not reflect the true gender ratio of autism. Why are girls less frequently diagnosed with autism? While it is clear that the number of boys in Australia who are diagnosed with autism is higher than the number of girls, the reasons for this are not necessarily as obvious. Autism First Signs: A Checklist For Girls and Women
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