This week’s blog is written by Assistant Psychologist Gabby Donaldson.
Today I thought it would be good to think about autism in girls, as I think this is not spoken about enough. Autism, which is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, can affect how people perceive, communicate and interact with the world (National Autistic Society, 2018). It is a common disorder with one in 100 people being on the autistic spectrum. Currently though, there are more boys being diagnosed with autism than girls, with the most up-to-date ratio being 3:1. But this does not mean that fewer girls have autism. So, what are the reasons for this difference?
Well, research has found that symptoms of autism are less noticeable in girls and therefore this gender imbalance may be due to under-identification of autism in girls. For example, girls may be more sociable, emotional and be more inclined to form friendships compared to boys, and therefore people can overlook the possibility of autism as they may not fit within the expected criteria of an autism diagnosis. Girls may also be misdiagnosed or overshadowed and therefore underlying autism may be overlooked, and symptoms simply thought to be due to something else, such as a mental health difficulty. Girls can also be a little bit better at hiding their symptoms than boys meaning autism traits in girls are generally under-reported. This is something which needs to change as it is really important for girls with autism to feel able to talk about their feelings and experiences, without feeling the need to hide them, and get the support they may need. To do this, we need to start spreading awareness of autism, developing our knowledge of how autism presents in different genders, and expressing that if you do have autism, that’s okay and you are not alone.
These gender differences in autism makes it particularly challenging to ensure girls with autism receive the necessary support. So, firstly, it is important to have an awareness of the possible characteristics of girls with autism, and a few examples include:
- Learning
- Difficulties with abstract concepts
- Likes routines
- Quiet, shy, compliant and passive
- Not asking for/being avoidant of help
- Being a perfectionist
- Social
- May mirror behaviour
- May not have a strong sense of identity
- Being socially immature and vulnerable
- Emotional
- Masking symptoms at school
- Experience anxiety more intensely than others
- Shutting down or crying over small things
Experiencing any of these characteristics is nothing to be ashamed of and you do not need to try and hide them from other people. I know it can be tricky to open up about how you are feeling or what you are experiencing but don’t worry, you are not alone and there are strategies for support which may really help! Teachers and parents may be able to offer support in the following ways:
- Using videos, role play or social scripts to help with social interactions
- Providing a structure for activities or work
- Using social stories to teach skills
- Offering techniques to manage any anxiety
- Offering careers information, advice and guidance
- Helping to make work and any extra-curricular activities more manageable
- Offering support for social skills, building friendships, mental health and wellbeing as well as support for learning and behaviour
And many other ways…! These strategies can be completely adapted to suit individual needs. If you are worried or in need of further support or advice about autism, you can always contact us here at Headspace Guildford and we would be happy to help!
Recognising autism in girls is still something which needs to be improved and we can start by encouraging a better awareness of how autism may present differently in boys and girls. Girls with autism need to be recognised so they can receive the support and guidance they need. I really hope this little bit of information has helped and please do contact Headspace Guildford if you would like any more information. Let’s start reducing the stigma around autism and, instead, encourage positive talk and awareness!