You most often hear about males being diagnosed with autism and, according to the CSC, that is predominantly the case. However, females also receive the diagnosis and sometimes exhibit different traits compared to males. Because of this, autism in females may be misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether. Girls and women with autism who go undiagnosed may struggle with self-judgment and face greater challenges in life compared to those who receive a proper diagnosis. This article explores the unique aspects of autism in females, its causes, symptoms and the challenges that come along.
What Causes Autism in Females?
The exact cause of autism is still unknown to experts. However, it is likely influenced by the environment and genetics.
Though there is no concrete evidence, some experts believe that males have a higher likelihood of developing autism. This belief is supported by research according to which females are born with genetic protective factors that reduce the risk of autism. The CDC also reports fewer diagnoses of autism in girls and women.
How Does Autism Present Differently in Females?
Since autism is more often diagnosed in males, many of the common traits occur less often with autistic females. Some of these traits include the following.
The Readiness to be Sociable
From birth, females are often more prosocial and more interested in human faces. A group of females tends to be more socially oriented than a group of males. This inherent need for social relationships is one of the reasons why females undergo missed or underdiagnosed autism.
An autistic girl or woman may find it difficult to be sociable, although they may have more social skills than their male counterparts. They may have more of a desire to be sociable than males, but may still have difficulty in social situations, despite that desire.
Difference in Interests
Autistic females tend to differ from males with respect to preferences and interests as well. Females with autism may have interests that are closer to those considered “neurotypical,” such as interests in bands, celebrities, and ponies.heir obsession for such aspects may go unnoticed by parents as the interests are similar to those of their peers.
The Camouflaging Phenomena
Camouflaging is a technique through which autistic people try to appear ‘normal’ in a specified situation. It is thought that since females tend to be more sociable than males, they make more use of camouflaging tactics.
Autistic females may also be more skilled at using camouflaging techniques than autistic males. It is important to note that, camouflaging is linked to mental health issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This may be the reason why mental health issues are commonly found in autistic females.
Common Traits of Autism in Females
- Autistic females can find it difficult to process social cues. They may feel anxious and not understand how to socially respond in appropriate ways. They may end up feeling exhausted after social interactions.
- Women and girls with autism can have heightened sensory sensitivities. They may experience intensified sensitivity to smells, touch, or sounds, or may be particularly sensitive to certain stimuli that they find intolerable, even more so than males.
- Many autistic females face difficulty in executing functions that involve flexible thinking, working memory and self-control. They can find it hard to maintain emotional balance and might not be able to finish tasks that they find uninteresting.
- A large number of people with autism experience sleep issues. Females who have a high sensitivity to noise during nighttime may keep them awake.
Does Autism Present Differently in Women and Girls?
Researchers are still exploring how autism presents in girls and women. However, the lack of gender diversity among diagnosed individuals poses a challenge for scientists.
Girls and women with autism may be more prone to internalizing anxiety compared to boys and men, which could lead to depression or social withdrawal rather than outward aggression. In many cultures, shyness is seen as more acceptable in girls than in boys, which may also influence these differences.
Additionally, when autistic girls develop intense interests, they tend to choose hobbies that are considered more "socially acceptable," like unicorns or dolls, compared to the interests typically seen in boys.
How to Diagnose Autism in Females?
There are no medical tests, like blood or urine tests, that can diagnose autism. Instead, autism is usually identified by observing a child's behavior over time.
You might notice your child missing key developmental milestones, especially in social interactions. This is where you should consult their pediatrician. The pediatrician may then recommend a formal evaluation by a pediatric neurologist or even a child psychologist using screening tools like:
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
- Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS)
It is important to note the females are often diagnosed later in life due to the difference between typical male and female autism symptoms. Many women who are curious will be diagnosed later in life.
Takeaway
Autism may manifest differently in females compared to males, often leading to underdiagnosis and unique challenges. Women and girls with autism may exhibit subtler symptoms and engage in camouflaging behaviors, which can mask their condition but contribute to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
The distinct social and sensory traits seen in autistic females highlight the need for a better understanding and tailored diagnostic approaches to ensure they receive appropriate support and care.
Disclaimer: This article does not contain behavior-analytic content.
