Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often discussed in the context of its more visible symptoms, but it’s crucial to recognize that the condition can manifest differently, particularly in females. Historically, autism has been under-diagnosed in girls, leading to a gap in understanding and support. Here’s why autism may be missed in females and how we can better address these discrepancies.
Why Autism is Often Missed in Females
- Different Presentations: Autism in females can present differently than in males. Girls may exhibit subtler signs or adapt their behavior to blend in with peers, making their difficulties less apparent. They might excel in masking their challenges, leading to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
- Social Camouflage: Many girls with autism develop advanced social mimicry skills. They may imitate social behaviors and responses, which can mask their true difficulties. This social camouflage often makes it harder for parents, teachers, and even healthcare providers to recognize their signs of autism.
- Different Interests and Behaviors: Females with autism may have interests and behaviors that align more closely with typical female activities, which can further obscure their diagnosis. For example, they might engage in repetitive play with dolls rather than more “stereotypically autistic” behaviors like lining up objects.
- Internalizing Symptoms: Girls are more likely to internalize their struggles, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. These secondary conditions can sometimes overshadow the underlying autism, complicating the diagnostic process.
- Gender Bias in Diagnostic Criteria: Traditional diagnostic criteria and research have been primarily based on male presentations of autism. This gender bias can contribute to an incomplete understanding of how autism manifests in females, leading to missed diagnoses.
Addressing the Discrepancy
- Increase Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the less obvious signs of autism in females. Understanding that autism can present differently in girls is essential for accurate identification and support.
- Encourage Comprehensive Evaluations: If you suspect autism in a female, seek a thorough evaluation from professionals experienced in recognizing the diverse manifestations of the disorder. A comprehensive assessment should consider both overt and subtle symptoms.
- Support Social and Emotional Needs: Recognize and address the social and emotional challenges that may arise from internalized struggles. Providing support for anxiety, depression, or other conditions is crucial for holistic care.
- Promote Open Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about emotions and social experiences. People who feel heard and understood are more likely to express their true feelings and challenges.
- Tailor Interventions: Implement interventions that are sensitive to the unique ways autism manifests in females (and individuals - everyone is unique and not all experiences are the same!). This might include self-advocacy coaching, executive functioning training, and strategies to support emotional regulation.
- Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Research: Support and advocate for research that explores autism across genders. Gender-inclusive studies can provide a more complete understanding of how autism affects females and lead to better diagnostic criteria and interventions.
- Seek Specialized Support: At Bright SpOT, our team of occupational therapists and speech therapists are trained to recognize and address the nuances of autism in females. We offer personalized therapy evaluations and tailored strategies to support each individual's needs. If you believe that autism might be missed or misdiagnosed, we are here to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and referrals.
Understanding and addressing missed autism in females requires a shift in perspective and increased awareness. By recognizing the unique ways autism can present in girls and taking proactive steps to support them, we can ensure that all individuals receive the care and understanding they deserve.
If you have concerns about a potential missed diagnosis or need specialized support, reach out to Bright SpOT. Our team is dedicated to providing the expertise and personalized care needed to support each child’s unique journey.
Warm regards,Caitlin Sanschagrin, OTR
Occupational Therapist, Bright SpOT
