More and more people are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In particular, the trend is on the rise among women and girls.
Why is this so noteworthy?
Historically, autism was often overlooked in females. Thanks to new research and improved diagnostic tools, however, we’re now uncovering the complexities of how autism presents differently based on gender.
Numbers Tell a Story
Studies have been published in recent years that indicate autism is more common in women and girls than previously thought.
According to the CDC, autism is now diagnosed in about 1 out of every 36 U.S. children – a growing percentage of whom are girls. Other research suggests that many females remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed later in life. This is at least partially because diagnostic criteria have traditionally been based on how autism manifests in boys.
One study from Molecular Autism found that women and girls often display subtler social challenges and better compensatory skills than their male counterparts, making their autism less noticeable. The findings indicate how important tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) are to help identify autism through tailored observational assessments.
Why Are Diagnoses Rising?
There are several reasons for the uptick in diagnoses among girls and women. A few of these include:
- Increased awareness campaigns and education initiatives, which have started to shed light on autism’s diverse manifestations, particularly how it affects females
- Improved tools like the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), which help capture nuanced differences in social, communication, and behavioral patterns
- Clinicians who now recognize how gender can influence the ways that autism presents, leading to more accurate diagnoses
Gender Differences in Autism
Newer research shows autism presents differently in girls. They might have fewer overt repetitive behaviors or develop less intense interests than autistic boys. Their interests are also more likely to align with socially acceptable hobbies like animals or reading.
The differences between boys and girls on the spectrum make it harder to identify autism in girls using the same traditional criteria, which has historically looked for traits more common in boys.
Another factor that sets autistic girls apart from autistic boys is “masking.” In this phenomenon, girls either consciously or unconsciously hide their autism traits so they can better blend in socially.
While masking helps them navigate social situations, it can make it harder to identify ASD. Plus, masking can be exhausting. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Why Early Diagnosis?
Early autism diagnosis means better outcomes for people on the spectrum. A diagnosis leads to early intervention customized for a child’s unique strengths and challenges. That way, kids can thrive at school, home, and in their communities.
Autism assessments are absolutely invaluable tools for early autism identification. That way, every kid gets the support they need when they need it most.
If you think a girl in your life might have autism, there are plenty of resources available to help her succeed in ways that feel comfortable and authentic to her.
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