For a long time, autism spectrum disorder has been associated primarily with men. Still, new research illuminates the often-ignored fact that autism manifests differently in women. Although the fundamental qualities may not change between genders, these qualities manifest and express themselves in quite different ways. For too long, autism has mostly focused on men, which has led to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and a lack of knowledge on how autism presents in women. Many women who are managing their neurodiversity without the appropriate acknowledgment and support have suffered from this error. Examining the unique experiences of females with autism uncovers a complex relationship among biological, cultural, and social elements. Girls on the spectrum may be better at hiding their symptoms from childhood into adulthood, frequently at the expense of their mental health. Social communication challenges, sensory sensitivity, and repeated behaviors can all have subtleties that are missed or misunderstood, which can cause feelings of uncertainty and isolation.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, far more males than females are diagnosed as autistic in Australia, recording that 3.5 Australian males are diagnosed on the spectrum to every one female (Thespectrum.org). Men are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than women, even though they portray the same level of symptoms. Boys with autism can have difficulty with social, and emotional communication, holding eye contact when speaking to someone, maintaining relationships with people their age, and developing close friendships. Girls with autism symptoms include lack of social interactions or the want to socially interact, being perceived as shy, tendency to inmate others, intense and possessive friendships, good imagination, advanced language, and being ‘mothered’ by peers. Just by looking at the symptoms between the genders shows how girls’ symptoms are more hidden than boys. They act completely differently and that is what makes it so hard to diagnose girls. Older autistic women show mimicking others around them, forcing eye contact, pre-prepared responses. 80% of women are undiagnosed by age 18 (ACFMW). The ration for men and women with autism is four to one, however, new studies show it is actually three to four. Women are less likely to be properly diagnosed because their symptoms are more subtle, their autism symptoms can be similar to other conditions, and women are better at hiding their symptoms.
There is no definitive test to diagnose autism, the way people are diagnosed is through doctors asking questions and base their diagnosis on the answers. The test is play based, and tests the child’s understanding of words (nyulangone). As women can mask their symptoms these tests are not very beneficial to diagnose them. Due to the fact that there is no definitive test, people should be aware of all symptoms for women, and develop different criteria for men and women as it is completely different between them. If the tests are male based then women get misdiagnosed. Having a variety of tests can be very beneficial to helping to diagnose women, involving psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and other specialists to comprehensively evaluate women for autism. This can ensure a more accurate diagnosis by considering various aspects of their behavior and functioning. Conducting longitudinal studies to track the development of autism in females from childhood to adulthood (UCLAhealth). This can help identify differences in symptom manifestation and improve diagnostic accuracy across different life stages. Educated women on being aware of these symptoms can help women navigate their lives better. Also conducting more research so there is a way better understanding can help medical professionals to diagnose women.
It is crucial to correctly diagnose women with autism in order to detect and successfully meet their special needs. Due to variations in symptom presentation and diagnostic standards that favor male symptoms, autism has historically been underdiagnosed in females. But ignoring autism among women prevents them from getting access to vital support services, modifications for their schooling, and specialized treatments that can greatly enhance their quality of life. Having a diagnosis not only gives meaning to their experiences, but it also makes it easier for them to have access to jobs, community relationships, mental health services, and healthcare. Furthermore, a precise diagnosis advances research, activism, and inclusive behaviors by improving knowledge of the frequency and features of autism in women. In the end, accurately diagnosing women with autism is critical to improving their health, developing self-awareness, and creating a more diverse and inclusive community that celebrates neurodiversity. When males with autism are properly diagnosed, their quality of life dramatically improves. A diagnosis improves a person’s quality of life by providing access to interventions and support services that are specifically designed to meet their requirements. Men can become more self-aware and accepting of their diagnoses, which will help them deal with relationships, social situations, and day-to-day obstacles more skillfully. It is unfair that men get early diagnosis that help them navigate life more efficiently. Being diagnosed gives people a sense of relief to know how they can live their lives better. There needs to be better tests for women, so they have a better understanding of why they have learning, and social difficulties. They get a better understanding of their bodies, and a sense of relief and positive feeling when they are diagnosed (NIH).
In conclusion, there has long been a stigma attached to autism spectrum disease, which has resulted in an underdiagnosis, a misdiagnosis, and a lack of knowledge about how autism manifests in women. The difference in the rates of diagnosis between males and females highlights the critical need for increased knowledge, more specific diagnostic standards, and evaluation techniques that take into account the particular experiences of women on the spectrum. Early detection and management for autism in females depend on an understanding of the complex interactions between biological, cultural, and social factors. We can guarantee that women with autism have the assistance and resources they require to flourish if we recognize and treat the subtle and frequently concealed indications of the disorder. Precise diagnosis not only improves people’s health and self-awareness but also cultivates a more accepting and encouraging community that values neurodiversity. For this reason, it is critical to give women with autism the right diagnosis in order to support their health, self-determination, and full involvement in all facets of life.
References
Autism in women: Why we get diagnosed late. (n.d.). Afcmw.org. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.acfmw.com/autism-in-women-why-we-get-diagnosed-late#:~:text=80%25%20of%20females%20remain%20undiagnosed,similar%20symptoms%20to%20other%20conditions
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in children. (n.d.). Nyulangone.org. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://nyulangone.org/conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder-in-children/diagnosis#:~:text=Diagnostic%20Interviews&text=The%20Autism%20Diagnostic%20Observation%20Schedule,in%20social%20and%20play%20activities.
The differences in the presentation of autism based on gender. (n.d.). Thespectrum.org. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://thespectrum.org.au/autism-diagnosis/gender-differences/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Diagnostic,amongst%20individuals%20without%20Intellectual%20disability.”
Harmens, M., Sedgewick, F., & Hobson, H. (2022). Autistic women’s diagnostic experiences: Interactions with identity and impacts on well-being. Women’s health (London, England), 18, 17455057221137477. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057221137477
Understanding undiagnosed autism in adult females. (n.d.). Uclahealth.org. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/understanding-undiagnosed-autism-adult-females
Sprockets and Springes 