‘Autism’ is officially ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, because everyone on the spectrum is slightly different.
None of us are quite alike, and we mask our behaviour in many different ways.
For some time there as a large discrepancy between male and female diagnoses of Autism, Asperger’s and ASD, about 4 : 1.
This was basically because scientists and researchers used male children as the basis for their testing, research, and theories.
Fortunately that is beginning to change, and one day we will have more accurate statistics.
For now, these are some of the key differences
Although I am cis male, my brain typically tests as female.
And *ALL* the traits on the right are far more like me than a ‘typical’ ASD cis-male presentation.
This great infographic was designed by Karen Baker, a graphic designer in the UK about the traits of autism in females, and shared Mrs Speechie P, on Facebook.
This is such great information! We know girls are frequently missed, and this is often due to their ability to imitate others and mask their difficulties. It’s important to note that girls with autism will still have difficulty socializing- although it is difficult for non specialists (and frequently specialists too!) to recognize as it’s typically different than the way boys on the spectrum present.
If you are concerned with your daughter or female student, talk to her teacher and ask how about how she interacts with peers, this might give you some good info!
Speechie P,
I found it originally on another website worth reading, but you might get a security warning there.
over and out…
Text from Infographic
Traits in Female Autism
Good at:
- Facts & Figures
- Imaginative
- Exceptional Vocabulary
Struggles:
- Rigid Routines & Anxiety with Changes
- Social cues? When is it my turn to speak!!
- Better at ‘Masking Difficulties’ -underreacting and imitating rather than typical male over-reacting
- Wants friends, just doesn’t know how.
- Shy
- Difficulty fitting in
- Often Mothered
Mimics Others without understanding:
- Like responding to “how are you” with “how are you”
- Playing at bathing a doll with other girls, but actually holding doll fully under water
Sensory Difficulties – A sensory overload can cause severe anxiety and meltdowns
- Difficulty with changes in light
- Difficulty with sounds
- Difficulty With certain smells
- Issues with tastes and food texture
- Issues with the feel of fabrics and objects
Special Interests (Obssessive)
Often different to male autism. Interests include writing, animals, songs, tv and art.
Other Common Issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
Sources:
national autisticsociety.co.uk
autism.org
thelittleblackduck.com
The hub article Louise Petty 2016 and personal experience.
Karen Baker @ 2018 karenbaker.co.uk