The number of children receiving an autism diagnosis has surged significantly over the past two decades, with diagnoses rising from 1 in 68 children in 2010 to 1 in 31 in 2022, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Amid this increase, a notable gender gap persists, with boys being diagnosed at up to four times the rate of girls.
Differences in Symptoms
This disparity stems largely from differences in how the condition manifests across genders. Because girls frequently exhibit fewer of the traditional symptoms associated with autism, their diagnoses are often delayed. To address this issue, therapy experts at Autism 360 created a guide highlighting the specific behaviors to monitor in girls.
While certain traits like honesty, perfectionism, repetitive behaviors, and a preference for rigid routines are shared among many autistic children, other characteristics diverge sharply by gender. For instance, both boys and girls with autism develop intense, highly focused special interests. However, girls tend to gravitate toward socially typical topics such as animals, literature, and art, whereas boys often focus on more niche subjects.
Socially, girls with autism often adapt and blend into group settings more effectively than boys. Rather than relying on intuitive behavior, many girls actively study social cues to guide their interactions. Consequently, they are more likely to establish at least one close friendship, earn the approval of their peers, and avoid social misunderstandings or bullying.
Diagnosis and Support
Ash Bhattacharya, CEO and cofounder of Autism 360, said: “Autistic girls can easily slip through the cracks until much later in life. Our current diagnostic criteria are geared towards identifying autism in boys, and a diagnosis gets even more complicated when autistic girls can generally navigate social interactions more easily than autistic boys can.”
Parents and educators can play a crucial role in identifying and supporting girls with autism. By being aware of the differences in symptoms and seeking professional help when needed, they can help girls with autism receive the support they need to thrive.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
