Autism In Women: Signs, Causes & Treatment

What To Know About Autism In Women

Autism is more often identified in males than females. Many females may not know they are autistic until they’re adults. Females can internalize and mask their symptoms. However, that ends up leaving them without the right support.

ASD is about four times more common in boys than in girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, many autistic females may not be diagnosed or receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This may result from the fact that females can present with different symptoms and may mask their autism more than males.

Signs & Symptoms of Autism in Women and Girls

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.

It is usually diagnosed in early childhood, but many women and girls go undiagnosed until later in life.

This is because autism presents differently in females than in males.

Social Interaction

One of the most common signs of autism in women and girls is difficulty with social interaction. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

• Difficulty making and maintaining friendships
• Difficulty understanding social cues and nonverbal communication
• Difficulty with small talk and casual conversation
• A tendency to withdraw from social situations

It's important to note that not all women and girls with autism will exhibit these behaviors. Some may be highly social and outgoing, but still struggle with social nuances.

Communication

Communication is another area where women and girls with autism may struggle. Some common signs include:

• Delayed language development
• Difficulty with figurative language and idioms
• Repetitive speech patterns
• Difficulty with tone of voice and inflection

Again, it's important to note that not all women and girls with autism will exhibit these behaviors. Some may have exceptional communication skills, but still struggle with social interaction.

Sensory Issues

Many women and girls with autism also have sensory issues. This means that they may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli. Some common signs include:

• Difficulty with loud noises or bright lights
• Aversion to certain textures or fabrics
• Difficulty with certain tastes or smells
• A tendency to seek out certain sensations, like spinning or rocking

Special Interests

Finally, many women and girls with autism have special interests that they are deeply passionate about. These interests may be highly focused and intense, and may change over time. Some common signs include:

• A fascination with a particular subject, like dinosaurs or astronomy
• A tendency to collect and categorize objects
• An encyclopedic knowledge of a particular topic
• Difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another

It's important to note that having a special interest is not necessarily a sign of autism. However, the intensity and focus of the interest may be a clue.

Co-occurring Conditions

In addition to the core symptoms of autism, many women and girls with autism also experience co-occurring conditions. These can include:

• Anxiety: Women and girls with autism often struggle with anxiety, which can manifest in a variety of ways. Some may have social anxiety or specific phobias, while others may have generalized anxiety that affects all areas of their life.
• Depression: Depression is also common among women and girls with autism. This can be due to a variety of factors, including difficulty with social interaction and communication, as well as feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is another condition that often co-occurs with autism. Women and girls with both conditions may struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating.

It's important to note that not all women and girls with autism will experience these co-occurring conditions. However, for those who do, it's important to seek appropriate treatment and support from healthcare professionals who understand the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.

How do you know if you're autistic as a girl?

If you are a girl or woman who suspects that you may be autistic, it can be challenging to navigate the diagnostic process.

This is because autism often presents differently in females than in males, and many healthcare professionals are not trained to recognize the signs of autism in women and girls.

Some common steps that you can take if you suspect that you may be autistic include:

• Researching the signs and symptoms of autism in women and girls
• Reaching out to an autism advocacy organization for support and resources
• Seeking out a healthcare professional who has experience with diagnosing autism in females
• Keeping a journal of your experiences and behaviors, which may help you identify patterns over time

Remember that a diagnosis of autism can provide valuable insight into your unique strengths and challenges, and can help connect you with appropriate resources and support.

High-Functioning Autism in Females

High-functioning autism is a term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intelligence and language skills. In females, high-functioning autism can present differently than it does in males.

Some signs of high-functioning autism in females include:

• Difficulty with social communication, such as maintaining eye contact or understanding sarcasm
• Strong interests in specific topics, often related to science or technology
• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
• Sensory sensitivities, such as aversion to certain smells or textures

It's important to note that many women and girls with high-functioning autism may be able to mask their symptoms effectively. This can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have high-functioning autism, it's important to seek out a healthcare professional who has experience with diagnosing autism in females. They can help provide a comprehensive evaluation and connect you with appropriate resources and support.

Low Functioning Autism in Females

Low-functioning autism is a term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who have significant impairments in communication, social interaction, and behavior. In females, low-functioning autism can present differently than it does in males.

Some signs of low-functioning autism in females include:

• Nonverbal communication difficulties
• Limited or absent speech
• Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or rocking
• Sensory sensitivities that may cause distress or discomfort

It's important to note that many women and girls with low-functioning autism may require significant support and assistance to navigate daily life. They may benefit from early intervention services, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, as well as specialized education programs.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have low-functioning autism, it's important to seek out a healthcare professional who has experience with diagnosing autism in females.

They can help provide a comprehensive evaluation and connect you with appropriate resources and support tailored to meet individual needs.

Causes Of Autism In Women

While the exact causes of autism in women are not fully understood, research suggests that genetics may play a role. Studies have shown that there is a higher likelihood of autism in siblings and other family members of individuals with autism.

Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of autism, such as exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy.

Additionally, some researchers believe that hormonal differences between males and females may contribute to the gender bias in autism diagnosis, with females being underdiagnosed due to their ability to mask symptoms.

It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing autism, they do not guarantee an autism diagnosis. Autism is a complex condition with many contributing factors, and more research is needed to fully understand its causes.

Autism Symptoms In Women vs. Men

Autism affects both men and women, but research suggests that the condition may present differently in females than it does in males. This can make it more challenging to diagnose autism in women, as many healthcare professionals are not trained to recognize the signs of autism in females.

Some researchers believe that differences in socialization between males and females may contribute to the gender bias in autism diagnosis.

For example, girls are often socialized to be more empathetic and better at picking up on social cues, which can mask some of the symptoms of autism.

Additionally, some studies have shown that women with autism may be better at masking their symptoms than men with autism. This means that they may be able to camouflage their difficulties with social interaction and communication more effectively, which can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Some common differences between autism symptoms in women and men include:

• Women with autism are often more socially motivated than men with autism, but struggle with effective social communication.
• Men with autism tend to have stronger interests in specific topics or subjects, while women with autism often have a broader range of interests.
• Women with autism may be more adept at using coping mechanisms like mimicking others' behavior or masking their own symptoms.
• Men with autism are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors or self-injury than women with autism.

It's important to note that these differences are not absolute and that there is significant overlap between the symptoms of male and female individuals on the spectrum.

However, understanding these differences can help healthcare professionals provide more accurate diagnoses and tailored support for individuals on the spectrum.

How do adults get tested for autism as a woman?

If you are an adult woman who suspects that you may be autistic, getting a diagnosis can be a crucial step in understanding your unique strengths and challenges.

However, the diagnostic process for adults is often different than it is for children, and it can be challenging to find healthcare professionals who are experienced with diagnosing autism in adults.

Some common steps that you can take if you suspect that you may be autistic include:

• Reaching out to an autism advocacy organization for support and resources
• Seeking out a healthcare professional who has experience with diagnosing autism in adults
• Keeping a journal of your experiences and behaviors, which may help you identify patterns over time

During the diagnostic process, healthcare professionals will typically conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and behaviors.

This may involve interviews with family members or loved ones who can provide insight into your behavior, as well as standardized assessments to evaluate your cognitive abilities and social communication skills.

It's important to note that receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can be an emotional experience. It's normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what the future holds.

However, a diagnosis can also provide valuable insight into your unique strengths and challenges, as well as connect you with appropriate resources and support tailored to meet individual needs.

Conclusion

Autism presents differently in women and girls than it does in males, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

However, by understanding the signs of autism in women and girls, we can better identify those who may need support and services. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it may be worth seeking out a professional evaluation.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-women
2. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/autism-in-women/
3. https://adultautismcenter.org/blog/autism-and-women-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
4. https://www.apexaba.com/blog/autism-in-women
5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202104/10-key-signs-autism-in-women