Boys are 4x more likely to receive an autism diagnosis than girls, despite estimations that 1 in 116 girls in the U.S. will be diagnosed. Studies also show the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder may present differently in girls. So why are girls less likely to receive an autism diagnosis and what are the signs? Keep reading to learn more.
What Are The Signs?
The signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder exist on a spectrum and vary for each individual. These signs can overlap for boys and girls and include:
Challenges or delays with social communications
Difficulty understanding and maintaining relationships
Difficulty adapting to change
Specialized interests and hobbies
Emotional dysregulation
Repetitive behaviors
Sensitivity to sensory stimuli
However, some signs may be more difficult to detect in girls or may present differently altogether. For example, girls on the spectrum, like boys, may have speech impairments, but they are more likely to display hyperverbal tendencies, like possessing an advanced vocabulary or reading comprehension for their age.
Why Is It Harder To Diagnose?
The diagnostic criteria for ASD was developed with boys in mind, as historically, research on autism has been conducted with male patients. Some researchers point to genetic differences as an explanation. However, stereotypes and labels about what autism looks like can also explain why more boys receive a diagnosis.
Recent studies have shown that girls may mask their autism symptoms more frequently than boys, making it more difficult for parents and professionals to recognize the signs.
Girls are often socialized differently than boys, which can also lead to social and communication difficulties going unnoticed. For example, girls with autism are more likely to try and emulate the social behaviors of someone they admire to fit in with their peers.
Researchers’ findings suggest that these differences may lead to diagnostic complications for girls and women. It is not uncommon for girls to receive a misdiagnosis of anxiety, social anxiety, ADHD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder before being diagnosed on the autism spectrum. This may partially explain why they are, on average, diagnosed at an older age than their male counterparts.
While specialized interests are common on the spectrum, girls with autism may show an obsessive interest in hobbies that are seen as neurotypical or age-appropriate, like horses and unicorns or reading.
In teens, these special interests may be even harder to detect, as they may reflect those of their peers, such as fashion or pop bands. Girls may also exhibit less repetitive behaviors or speech difficulties than boys, further adding to the risk of misdiagnosis.
More research is needed to understand these key differences, but the bottom line remains – missing out on a diagnosis can prevent these girls from receiving the support they need and deserve.
What You Can Do
If you suspect your daughter has autism, it’s important to do your research and work with a team of professionals to get an accurate diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis will help you provide a safe and supportive environment for your child.
If your daughter has received an autism diagnosis, know that it does not change who she is. Remember–you are the best advocate for your child and together, you can affirm and celebrate her unique gifts and abilities.
If you’re looking for a program for your child with autism in Arizona’s East Valley , click here to learn more about PS Academy. We offer comprehensive, personalized programs for K-12 students with autism and other exceptionalities. Get in touch today.