Is Autism Different in Boys and Girls?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is diagnosed four times more often in males than in females. It could be that males do actually experience autism much more often than females, however other research suggests the symptoms included in assessing an autism diagnosis could be more in line with male behavior patterns than females.

There are multiple theories as to why this could be. Some suggest that females are better at "masking" their symptoms, possibly due to societal conditioning, being expected to conform to gender roles, or their longing to fit in with peers. Males, on the other hand, may have less inclination to "fit in" and are less likely to control their behavior.

Research also suggests that many females with autism are generally more quiet and reserved, lessening the likelihood of symptoms being noticed.

Because of these differences, it is believed that many woman are misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed.

So why does autism present differently in boys and girls? Psychology Today notes five differences that are worth exploring, so let's take a look at each below.

Difference #1: The drive to be sociable

From birth, girls seem to be more interested in human faces than boys, and plenty of research has agreed that, as a group, girls tend to display a greater desire to be sociable than boys do.

Due to social conditioning, autistic girls and women must work harder than their male counterparts at being sociable, but they can become so talented at it that others cannot recognize the difficulty they are experiencing, or they may be misdiagnosed because they appear "too normal".

Difference #2: Types of interests

Interests vary greatly between males and females. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), part of the criteria for an autism diagnosis is "restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities."

Males are more inclined to collecting items or learning information about objects or categories of things. These are typical ways in which we think of autism. Girls, on the other hand, may show the same interest level, but their interest tends to be more "normal" to society and similar to other girls their age (think ponies, boy bands, teen heartthrobs). That said, they can be so interested that it's to the point of obsession, yet goes unnoticed by parents, guardians, or teachers.

Difference #3: The use of masking techniques

Masking is a technique used by both males and females with autism  - as well as many neurotypical individuals - to appear "normal". Scripting conversations, forcing themselves to make and hold eye contact, or avoiding conversations on topics that are of interest to them are typical ways females with autism "mask."

Females tend to be more skilled at "masking" than their male counterparts. One thing to note, however, is that masking is linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Difference #4: Response to social pressures

Many women struggle with their societal pressures of being a good daughter, mother, or wife, and thus resort to masking, but tend to lose a sense of self in the process. A popular hypothesis for this idea is because women still take on the greater share of domestic responsibilities and find it difficult to manage their own autistic needs while filling the needs of others.

Difference #5: Having a female brain/body

Hormones have a lot to do with how one acts or thinks.  We must remember that males and females, whether neurotypical or autistic, vary greatly in that aspect and there are many different ways in which males and females with autism interpret and experience their world.

The newly focused research of autism specifically in girls and women will hopefully lead to a greater understanding of differences, resulting in a more accurate diagnosis of autism in females.

Reach out to Neurospicy ABA to discuss how we can help you reach your goals today.

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