A crippling and life-threatening disease
While anyone can be affected by autism, girls and women today are being overlooked and underdiagnosed at an alarming rate. This condition is usually manageable with the right help and support but what happens when you don't know you have it? Autism research has historically neglected girls and women, who are now paying the price.
Curious why females are being overlooked? Click through now.
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, describes several neurodevelopmental conditions.
ASD can affect people globally regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background. Although it often presents differently in each person, everyone is susceptible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that autism is more often diagnosed in boys than girls. In fact, a study including eight-year-olds in 11 locations within the USA found a 4.3 to 1, boy-to-girl ratio in 2016.
Genetic factors are estimated to contribute to ASD risk between 40% to 80%. These gene variants alongside environmental risk factors such as birth complications or parental age, can impact an individual's risk of developing this condition.
Autism spectrum disorder screenings were originally developed based predominately on men and boys. Therefore, some of the screenings aren't sensitive enough to detect how autism manifests itself differently in women and girls.
Different people prefer different terminology surrounding their autism. For example, some use "autistic girls and women" while others prefer "girls and women living with an autism spectrum disorder."
Current research is based on cisgender, people or those whose sex assigned at birth aligns with their gender identity.
While the symptoms of autism are usually similar or the same between girls and boys, how they're expressed can differ greatly.
Differences in gender in those with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be overlooked when they’re subtle. Such is the case with girls with mild autism, as their symptoms can often be less apparent.
It can be more challenging to recognize repetitive behaviors and fixations in girls. For example, a young girl may appear to be playing with dolls but upon further inspection, she is actually repetitively organizing the dolls and accessories.
Symptoms of autism can include, differences in eye contact, trouble using gestures such as pointing, difficulties with communication, and many more.
Girls with autism may strongly adhere to routines and react poorly to changes.
Certain sensory stimuli like loud noises, various textures, and the way clothing fits can affect an autistic person.
Another tale-tell sign of autism is engaging in repetitive actions like stacking toys or arranging objects.
Some girls will become focused on specific interests, topics, or items, often exclusive of other interests.
Symptoms in girls may be less apparent. This is especially true in girls with mild autism.
Due to a mix of social conditioning and cultural norms, girls may engage more in what is known as social camouflaging or masking.
Girls with autism may be more aware of their social difficulties and work to study how other girls interact to fit in. For example, in one study, the girls with autism who preferred to play independently still stayed closer to the group.
Whether subconsciously or on purpose, masking can mean that many little girls or women aren't able to get the help they need because they are unaware of their condition.
Autism can be associated with other conditions like sleep problems, feeding issues, epilepsy, and mental health challenges.
If you end up being concerned that your child isn't engaging as much with others or is having a difficult time in social situations, there is help available.
It's advised to talk to a pediatric healthcare provider to help you understand the milestones your child should be reaching at different ages.
Unlike autism, Asperger's disorder shows no early language or developmental delays, often leading to later diagnosis as children meet typical milestones but struggle socially.
Currently, there are no medications specifically for treating the core symptoms of autism. However, when behaviors like self-harm, mood instability, or aggression occur, medication may be helpful. The FDA has approved risperidone to manage severe mood swings and aggressive behaviors in individuals with autism.
One symptom of being autistic is that there are sensory challenges. Many times, noises are too loud, the light is too bright, and the child can be very distressed by certain aromas, textures, and tastes.
Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (Healthline) (Medline Plus) (Autism Speaks)
See also: The biggest myths about autism
Autism in girls and women is being overlooked—here’s why
How autism manifests differently in females
HEALTH Neuroscience
While anyone can be affected by autism, girls and women today are being overlooked and underdiagnosed at an alarming rate. This condition is usually manageable with the right help and support but what happens when you don't know you have it? Autism research has historically neglected girls and women, who are now paying the price.
Curious why females are being overlooked? Click through now.