Doctors may neglect or misdiagnose autism in girls due to a multitude of variables. Older girls with milder types of autism may try harder to disguise their symptoms or "blend in" with their peers. Early identification can help autistic females gain access to services, thus it is critical to recognise the signs.
This is a developmental disorder that can impair an individual's ability to communicate and engage with others. However, symptoms might differ greatly between people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 44 Trusted Source 8-year-old children is on the autistic spectrum.
The CDC also predicts that boys are four times more likely than females to be evaluated and classified as being on the autistic spectrum. Doctors may under diagnose autism in females because they do not display "typical" autistic traits or are better at disguising their symptoms.
Autism Symptoms in Girls
Its symptoms are similar in boys and girls, but each person is unique, and symptoms can vary because it encompasses such a wide variety of symptoms. According to a reliable source, many individuals prefer the term
symptoms of autism in girls.
Many kids struggle with social engagement and communication. Some typical symptoms include: Trusted Source:
By the age of 12 months, they are not responding to their name and prefer not to be hugged or caressed.
Having trouble in following directions.
Avoiding eye contact when another person points to something losing specific abilities, such as no longer uttering a term they could use previously having problems articulating what they want or need having difficulties comprehending how other people are feeling.
Strict routines and repetitive acts are also important aspects of autistic behavior. Some common examples are:
Having trouble adjusting to a change in routine.
Being abnormally devoted to objects or toys rocking from side to side spending a significant amount of time arranging goods repeating certain words, phrases, or sounds.
Having a peculiar reaction to particular scents, tastes, or noises. Having movement problems, such as impaired balance or fine and gross motor abilities.
Most of these symptoms emerge in infancy or early childhood, however, they may go unnoticed at the time. Other symptoms may not appear until a kid is older.
Why Physicians May Overlook Autism in Girls
It is more typically diagnosed in boys than in girls. This may indicate that parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are less inclined to seek these signs in girls.
Some people may overlook signs due to stereotypes about normal male and girls actions. Many people believe that ladies are naturally calmer or prefer to play alone than guys. However, both speaking less and preferring to spend time alone might be signs of autistic spectrum.
There is some information from credible sources that some autistic symptoms are more frequent in boys than in girls. Repetitive behaviors and trouble with impulse control, for example, maybe more common in autistic boys than in autistic girls.
These symptoms may be more visible than difficulty communicating or interacting.
ASD symptoms may manifest differently in boys and girls. Females may conceal their symptoms or devote more time and effort to mastering social standards.
Autistic girls are also more likely than these guys to develop friendships. This can obscure autism since many people consider difficulties socializing to be one of the primary symptoms.
Common autism misdiagnosis is a mental health problem. Autism can coexist with mental health difficulties. Anxiety, sadness, and personality problems can all share symptoms with autism, leading to a misdiagnosis.
This can create anxiety in certain people.
This might result in distinct behavior in boys and girls. Girls are more prone than boys to react to stress in ways that others may not see right away, such as self-harm. Boys may be more inclined to react to stress in an external way, such as being angry or misbehaving. This behavior is more noticeable and may signal autism earlier.
Girls may be more self-aware and concerned with "fitting in" socially. This might imply that they can conceal autistic signs in children.
However, as females get older and social standards and friendships become more complex, it may become more difficult for them to relate to others. As a result, kids may not be diagnosed with autism until they are in their adolescent years.
Because of a widespread lack of awareness of autism, healthcare professionals, schools, parents, and caregivers may overlook signs in females.
According to a 2016 study, these stereotypes may lead to a later diagnosis for certain autistic girls. Stereotypes include the belief that all autistic persons are obsessed with math and science, and that these people are unable to build friendships.
However, because this study included just 14 women, this experience may not be frequent.
It is also worth noting that healthcare experts created autism screening tests mostly utilizing male case studies. This might imply that these assessments overlook symptoms that are more frequent in girls.
More studies into how autism symptoms differ across sexes might assist improve diagnostic procedures.
What to Do If Your Child Appears to Be Autism?
Before a kid reaches the age of two, a doctor should be able to detect early signs of autism during a normal healthcare visit.
To assess the child's growth, they will ask questions regarding specific milestones such as first smiling, crawling, and producing sounds. The CDC Trusted Source contains a list of major developmental milestones for various ages.
Early diagnosis can assist children and their families gain access to resources and having a better understanding of specific behaviors.
Other signs may be less visible in some circumstances, and a doctor may be unable to identify autism in girls symptoms.
A recommendation for autistic spectrum screening may be made for older children. Screening often consists of a battery of easy tests designed to assess a child's speech, learning, and behavior. A consultation with an autism specialist may be scheduled.
A youngster may exhibit one or more autism-related symptoms yet not are autistic. Avoiding eye contact and sticking to rituals are two prevalent personality tendencies.
Autistic children may have a variety of symptoms that interfere with their everyday life. They may be able to disguise these sensations, although doing so might be stressful. Autistic children are also more likely to be bullied or abused. Parents, carers, and instructors should be aware of this so that they may prepare to educate other children about the disease and help those who suffer from it.
Summary
Although doctors diagnose autistic spectrum in girls less commonly, the symptoms are typically comparable, if not identical, in both sexes. Some symptoms may be less visible or less common in girls.
Autistic females may not meet the popularly accepted description of an autistic person due to the way autistic spectrum tests have been designed. This may imply that they will be diagnosed later in life.
Autistic spectrum in females can be identified by understanding the symptoms and conventional developmental milestones.
People who suspect their child may be suffering from autistic spectrum should consult a doctor.
https://www.autismawareness.com.au/understanding-autism/women-girls
