According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are four times more likely than girls to receive an Autism diagnosis. However, just because the official numbers indicate that boys are more likely to be on the Autism Spectrum, that doesn’t necessarily reflect reality.
Why Are Boys Diagnosed with Autism More Frequently Than Girls?
While a multi-faceted issue, it would seem the main attribution to this disparity revolves around societal perfection and differences between genders in regard to behavior. Girls have a tendency to “mask” better than others, which essentially means adjusting behaviors to fit into what is perceived to be expected of them. The diagnostic criteria in the past has heavily skewed in the direction of symptom presentation seen by boys, but as an understanding of how biological differences between the sexes has expanded, so too has the ability to recognize and diagnose Autism in both boys and girls.
While it is becoming more common knowledge, it can still be difficult to spot. Many girls can appear extremely high-functioning, following society’s unwritten instructions in an attempt to fit in. Sometimes this works, but sometimes it does not. Fitting in on the outside does not mean that internally they are functioning their best, often struggling intensely in their private lives.
This unfortunately leads to misdiagnosis of girls as having social anxiety, ADHD, depression and various other mental health related problems. Dr. Kerri Duncan with Hart 4 Autism has assessed many young girls who despite another mental health diagnosis have continued to struggle, turning to self-harm, aggressive, promiscuity and other negative behaviors in an attempt to cope. Receiving a proper assessment and diagnosis can provide young girls with the tools and services needed to function in a healthier, more productive way that suits the actual root of the issue.
Recognizing the Signs of Autism in Girls
Autism in girls can look like:
Avoiding social interaction
Seeming excessively shy or self-isolating
Repetitive behaviors
Advanced and/or intense interests
Highly developed imagination
Limited number of close friendships
Keeping emotions under control socially, but emotional or angry at home
Copying others behavior or speech in social situations
Sensitivity to sensory-related aspects of life (sounds, textures, lights, etc)
Exhausted from social interaction
Difficult with change
While this is not a comprehensive list, it does include many symptoms that could indicate a young girl is on the Autism spectrum.
Schedule A Diagnostic Autism Assessment with Dr. Kerri Duncan Today
Research is thankfully ongoing to get a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder as a whole, including the differences in presentation between boys and girls. Dr. Kerri Duncan has done her research and continues to study the newest developments. She would be more than happy to discuss your child, or yourself as many women are being diagnosed later in life, as well. Reach out today to schedule an assessment that could lead to a treasure trove of insights that will help lead to a more fulfilling life.
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