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In this article, Angie describes the symptoms of ASD and how it presents itself differently in boys and girls.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-- shortened to autism– is a developmental condition that affects how an individual communicates, interacts, and processes information from the world. Since it is a lifelong condition, understanding the complexities of this disorder is crucial to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community at schools and in the workforce. Additionally, the signs of ASD often materialize early on, although in different ways for girls and boys.
Signs of autism often appear in early childhood, with common indicators including difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and intense focus on specific interests. Children with autism may avoid eye contact, struggle to interpret facial expressions or body language, and have difficulty forming friendships. They might also engage in repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or rocking, and may show resistance to changes in routine. Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights, are also common. However, the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. According to Autism Speaks, a website dedicated to the study of ASD, “Current diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR break down the ASD diagnosis into three levels based on the amount of support a person might need: level 1, level 2, and level 3. See more information about each level.” If someone is level 1, then they may need minimal support; if someone is level 2, they require substantial support; and, if someone is level 3, they require very substantial support. For that reason, it is an arduous task to identify and support all individuals with ASD, as a lack of symptoms early on can consequently result in no diagnosis. This issue is especially prevalent in women.
Since boys with autism are more likely to exhibit outward behaviors like hyperactivity or repetitive motions, it makes their diagnosis more straightforward and their ASD easier to spot. In contrast, girls are often better at masking their symptoms, using social mimicry to blend in with peers. They may develop intense interests that align with socially acceptable activities, such as a fixation on beauty or society. As stated by Child Mind Institute in a speech titled Why Many Autistic Girls Are Overlooked, “Autistic girls are sometimes better at controlling their behavior in public… They might also be more interested in making friends than boys with autism are.” Typically, girls with autism learn to mask their autism, can excel at making eye contact and understand social cues better, as well as having a heightened want to socialize in comparison to their male counterparts. As a result, many girls with autism go undiagnosed or receive a diagnosis later in life, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of how autism presents across genders.
Overall, autism is a multifaceted condition that presents itself in a myriad of ways. Recognizing signs of ASS early on and acknowledging the differences in how it establishes across different genders is crucial to minimizing the difficulty of living with ASD for those who have it. Moreover, by putting an emphasis on studying autism in girls and offering tailored support to all individuals with it, schools and workplaces can help autistic people flourish in society.
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