Research suggests that autism traits in girls aren’t always the same as those observed in boys with autism. Many symptoms in autistic girls are sometimes overlooked or “dismissed” by some medical professionals. As a result, a diagnosis of autism may occur much later in a girl’s life. Early intervention is crucial to ensure a girl with autism receives the support and treatment she needs to thrive in all aspects of life.
What are the early signs of autism in girls?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a diverse range of symptoms in both male and female children.
However, some signs are present in many autistic girls, including:
- Hyperfocus on special interests
- Emotional dysregulation
- Speech and language delays
- Hypo or hypersensitive to sensory input
- Repetitive behaviors
- Intellectual disability
- Anxiety
How do autism symptoms in girls differ from those in boys?
Most autistic children exhibit similar symptoms irrespective of gender. However, autistic girls may not show some of the “classic” traits that are more often observed in boys. Studies indicate that girls are much more adept at developing coping mechanisms to hide or “mask” their autistic behaviors.
Here are some other symptoms more specific to girls with ASD:
- Labeled as “quiet” or “shy” in social situations
- Unusually passive
- Shifts in communication skills
- Epileptic seizures
Why is autism often underdiagnosed in girls?
Traditional estimates yield that boys are four times more likely than girls to receive an ASD diagnosis. For many decades, medical professionals believed autism occurred predominantly in boys, and most research only studied male participants. As a result, the traditional assessment tools used to identify ASD traits were established on a male baseline.
At what age can signs of autism appear in girls?
Symptoms of autism in girls are typically noticed in early childhood, but they can be identified by 12 -18 months.
In the early stages of development, both males and females can present these signs:
- Eye contact avoidance
- No response to his/her name
- Speech and language delays
- Poor skills in imaginative play
- Lack of nonverbal expression
What are common social challenges faced by autistic girls?
Most autistic individuals experience challenges in developing and maintaining friendships. However, autistic girls experience more anxiety about their behaviors and strive to be socially accepted by their peers. One study indicated that girls with ASD had more struggles managing conflict in their peer relationships and exhibited two “all or nothing” approaches: they either assumed all blame and overcompensated to seek resolution or withdrew entirely from the relationship to avoid the conflict.
How do restricted interests manifest in autistic girls?
According to a study at Stanford University, girls with autism present less repetitive and restricted behavior than boys. The study also found brain differences between autistic males and females. However, like boys with ASD, girls with ASD can also develop obsessive interests in particular topics—it just may be a subject most girls enjoy more than boys. For example, boys with ASD may possess a hyper-focused passion for dinosaurs or spaceships, whereas girls may be obsessed with horses or Disney princesses.
What role does sensory sensitivity play in autism for girls?
Research suggests that nearly 80% of children with autism also have a sensory processing disorder (SPD), and both genders show a similar degree of sensory sensitivity to one or all of the five senses. However, autistic girls show different patterns of brain activity in response to sensory stimuli. To mask their ASD symptoms, girls tend to seek out sensory experiences to emotionally regulate, as opposed to sensory avoidance behaviors observed in autistic boys.
Can autistic girls develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms?
Yes. Studies indicate that girls with autism can be very adept at developing coping mechanisms to camouflage their ASD behaviors, which may include:
- Suppressing repetitive movements
- Forcing a smile
- Using rehearsed phrases
- Adjusting speech volume and tone
- Mirroring body language
What are the risks of late diagnosis of autism in girls?
Experts warn that undiagnosed autistic girls can suffer from depression, anxiety, and significant challenges with low self-esteem. Without early intervention and treatment, girls with ASD will experience deficits in communication and self-advocacy skills, which can increase their vulnerability to bullying as well as sexual predators.
How can parents and educators support autistic girls?
Parents and educators must work together to support an autistic girl’s academic and social-emotional success.
Some effective intervention tools that can be used both in the home and school settings include:
- Role-playing activities
- Visual aids
- Social stories
- Use verbal/ auditory cues
- Establish daily routines
- Sensory breaks
Support for Girls with Autism with Roman Empire Agency
If you have concerns about your autistic daughter, Roman Empire Agency offers comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help your loved one thrive.
Our aim is to support your child’s ongoing development through a personalized approach, helping them achieve their full potential now and into adulthood.
If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your child, contact us today!
