How Autism Presents Differently in Boys and Girls

Often in medicine, we don't always have a full understanding of how a certain condition or disorder affects everyone. In the case of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the current framework for understanding autism is still largely centered around how it presents in boys. For that reason, girls and women are often diagnosed much later in life, if at all.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Understanding How Autism Presents Differently in Boys and Girls    Often in medicine, we don't always have a full understanding of how a certain condition or disorder affects everyone. In the case of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the current framework for understanding autism is still largely centered around how it presents in boys. For that reason, girls and women are often diagnosed much later in life, if at all.   The good news is that experts are now taking a closer look at how autism presents in girls. A new study examined hundreds of brain scans from children with autism to analyze the key differences in motor, language, and visuospatial attention systems in both sexes. Using the brain scans, researchers were able to create an algorithm that distinguished the child's sex with 86% accuracy.   They concluded that neurodivergent symptoms tend to present more strongly in males versus females, especially in the restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) symptom domain. Additional research into how autism presents in boys versus girls tells us that males with autism tend to experience greater language impairments, and that girls often utilize strategies like "masking" autistic traits to better fit in. This might look like copying others or mimicking others' mannerisms.     Autism shows itself differently in boys and girls. The symptoms may be milder in females, so providers need to assess all children for autism regardless of symptom severity."  — ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDC, LPC, BCN   What This Means For You Understanding the different ways autism presents in boys and girls is imperative for an early and correct diagnosis. The sooner this happens for children with autism, the more quickly they can receive life-altering intervention.   "The best advice I could give any parent who is concerned about their child's development is to search for answers and seek support from an experienced professional," says Capanna-Hodge.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us In her book, "But You Don't Look Autistic at All," Bianca Toeps shares her real-world experiences, and others' experiences, living with autism. This refreshing and humor-filled book is ripe with helpful insights for both neurodiverse and neurotypical people. Products to Help You Feel Your Best The Autism Speaks Podcasts strive to inspire the autism community, foster important dialogue, and help make the world more inviting for people on the spectrum. In "The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain," psychologist and educator Thomas Armstrong explores the evolutionary advantages, special skills, and other positive dimensions of being neurodiverse. If you're looking for help opening up or coping with social anxiety, here are the best self-help books for social anxiety on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor.  Read These Next What Is It Like to be Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult? READ NOW What Is Neurodiversity? READ NOW Is There Really Anything Wrong With Being a Highly Sensitive Person? READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy