![]() ![]() And they may be better at hiding the signs, at least when they’re young.Įven when girls’ presentation is clearer, they can be overlooked. They don’t fit the stereotypes or their symptoms are misinterpreted as something else. They’ve been termed the “lost girls” or “hiding in plain sight” because they’re overlooked or diagnosed late. But clinicians and researchers have also come to realize that many “higher functioning” autistic girls are simply missed. Researchers point to genetic differences. Many more boys than girls are diagnosed on the autism spectrum: more than four boys for every autistic girl, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control. Getting diagnosed early on is important so girls can get the support they need as soon as possible. Therapists might not see that autism is the underlying cause. That can lead to depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. They might get exhausted from trying so hard to fit in or be bullied because they miss social cues. When girls with autism don’t get diagnosed, they miss out on support that can help them understand their challenges, build skills and excel in school. Some girls with autism get diagnosed with ADHD instead, which can look similar on the surface. All of this can make for a more subtle version of autism that a doctor might not recognize. They might also be more interested in making friends than boys with autism are. They might have learned early on to smile or make eye contact. If that interest is something considered “girly,” like horses, a doctor might dismiss it as normal.Īutistic girls are sometimes better at controlling their behavior in public. Having an intense interest in something specific is also common in people with autism. But girls with autism might not have as many repetitive behaviors as boys, or they might be quieter about them. ![]() ![]() Repetitive behavior, like flapping their hands, is one sign of autism that most doctors recognize. Often, autism in girls just looks different from the stereotype of autistic behavior, so some doctors might not diagnose it. ![]() But that might not be because more boys have autism. Far more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. ![]()
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