Signs of autism in women: What do they entail?

Signs of autism in women: What do they entail?

In the realm of neurodiversity, autism is often associated with stereotypical behaviours and traits that are more commonly observed in males. However, autism in females assigned female at birth can present in a subtler, more nuanced manner, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed recognition.

Autistic females may encounter difficulties with communication and social skills, hyperfocusing on specific topics, and exhibiting repetitive behaviours. They might not participate in school to their full potential, experience significant language delays, and lack flexibility in routines. Interestingly, they may find it challenging to make and maintain eye contact, but may force themselves to do so to hide their autistic traits.

Social interaction is another area where autistic females might struggle. While they might appear socially engaged, they often grapple with deeper social reciprocity. They may use learned social scripts or mimicry, which can mask their difficulties. This constant effort to fit in can result in social burnout and mental fatigue.

Restricted interests also differ between the sexes. While both males and females may have special interests, females often focus on socially acceptable topics, like animals or literature, which might be overlooked as autistic traits.

Sensory sensitivities are another key difference. Both sexes may have sensory processing differences, but females might report heightened sensitivity to sounds, touch, or textures more prominently.

Autistic females frequently experience anxiety, depression, or eating disorders alongside their condition, partially due to social masking and pressures. In contrast, males may show more externalizing behaviours.

Diagnostic tools and criteria are historically male-centric, making it harder to identify females who often have milder repetitive behaviours and better compensatory skills, leading to later or missed diagnosis.

Fortunately, resources and support are available for autistic females and their families. Organisations such as The Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN), The National Autistic Society, Autism Empowerment, and The Asperger/Autism Network provide valuable resources and support.

If you think you or someone you know may have symptoms of autism, it's essential to talk with a doctor and request an autism evaluation. It's important to remember that autism is a spectrum and to identify subtypes of autism based on functional and cognitive abilities.

Autistic people may display repetitive behaviours, such as rocking or hand-flapping, and these behaviours may also include repetition of words or phrases or resistance to change. A 2019 study suggests that symptoms of autism may appear more subtle or less typical in females than males.

Autistic females usually receive a diagnosis later in life compared with males, especially among females with a level of intellectual ability that is average or higher than average. They may have increased sensitivity to strong smells, textured fabrics, or loud noises. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can include heightened reactions and states of discomfort or distress.

Internalizing or socially camouflaging autistic traits can be mentally exhausting and negatively impact people's mental health, potentially increasing the likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) more commonly co-occur in autistic people compared to people who are not autistic.

In conclusion, it's crucial to raise awareness about the subtler signs of autism in females and to challenge the stereotypes that have long overshadowed this aspect of neurodiversity. By recognising and understanding these differences, we can provide better support and resources for autistic females, helping them to thrive in their unique ways.

1. Autistic females, even with subtler presentations of the condition, may still experience dermatitis due to sensory sensitivities towards textured fabrics.
2. Despite social masking and learned social scripts, atopic females with autism often grapple with ulcerative social health issues, leading to mental fatigue.
3. Researchers in science and health-and-wellness fields have found predictive links between autism in females and potential co-occurrences of depression and anxiety.
4. Women with colitis and autism may face challenges in coping with strong smells, potentially impacting their mental-health, especially in crowded public places.
5. A study in 2019 revealed that symptoms of psoriasis in autistic females may appear more subtle or less typical compared to males, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis.
6. The constant effort to blend into social situations can affect the mental health of autistic females, increasing the likelihood of developing depression or anxiety.
7. Organisations like The Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) offer valuable resources and support for women's health to help them manage their unique health and wellness needs associated with autism.
8. Given the increased likelihood of co-occurring mental health conditions in those with autism, regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in life.

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