Autism in Females: Understanding the Challenges
5 Lessons
English
All Levels
Autism in Females: Understanding the Challenges
Autism Spectrum Disorder has long been considered a condition that occurs predominantly in individuals assigned male at birth, since male children are diagnosed with autism at a rate generally 4 times higher than female children (AIHW, 2017).
Researchers signal that there may be genetic differences but there is also a growing body of research that indicates that autism presents differently in girls. Consequently, girls often are overlooked, fly under the radar and are often diagnosed much later than boys. Autistic girls have been termed 'lost girls' or 'hiding in plain sight' as they don't fit the stereotypes because they are much better at camouflaging their symptoms and mimicking others to fit in.
Girls may also have higher verbal skills, strong imaginations, combined with neurotypical intelligence; this has implications for the classroom and learning. It is vital to have a timely and accurate diagnosis so that appropriate support can be implemented. A delayed diagnosis can impede the individual's educational and emotional development and can hinder their social and community participation. Educators who have an understanding of the signs and symptoms in girls, will be better equipped to provide the appropriate interventions as soon as possible.
