What is the definition of autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that affects the way that people interact socially, interact, and communicate with other people. The disorder is often known as Autism, beyond autism.
It was previously separated into subtypes for instance, asperger’s disorder but is currently being recognized as a condition that has a broad spectrum of symptoms and degree of severity.
However, do the signs of autism and severity differ among the genders? For kids, it is around four times more prevalent in boys than for girls.
However the findings of a 2013 study by the Trusted Source with a total of 2500 autistic kids suggests that autism is often not diagnosed for girls. This could be the reason why autism seems to be more prevalent in boys.
Why is autism so often undetected in women? Does women’s autism actually different from the autism that men experience? Learn more about possible answers to these and other related to autism in women.
What is the signs associated with autism?
The signs of autism typically manifest in the early years of childhood, prior to the age of 2. For instance, infants might not engage in eye contact with their parents. In certain situations they may show a lack of respect towards their parents.
As they reach the age of two At around the age of 2, they can begin to exhibit indications of aggression. They may not to respond to their own name or begin to take steps backwards in their development of language.
But, it can be a spectrum condition and not all children with autism have these characteristics. However, generally speaking the symptoms of autism tend to be associated with issues with social interaction and patterns of behavior.
signs of autism in infants
Social communication and interactions symptoms
Adults and children with autism typically have a difficult time connecting with other people.
This could cause several symptoms, including:
- inability to see or hear people
- There is no response to their request
- resistance to touch
- a desire to be in a group
- Inappropriate or no facial gestures
- difficulty in starting the conversation or keep it in the conversation
- exaggerated talk about a beloved subject without considering the opinions of others
- speech disorders or strange speech patterns
- inability to express emotion or be able to identify them in other people
- trouble recognizing simple social cues
- difficult to follow simple instructions
- inability to predict a person’s reaction or reaction
- inappropriate social interactions
- inability to discern the non-verbal signals of communication
Behavioral symptoms of pattern
People with autism often exhibit habits of behavior that are difficult to break.
A few of these patterns are:
- doing repetitive motions like rocking back and back and
- creating rituals or routines that won’t be disturbed
- self-harm, such as biting and head-banging
- Repetition of words or phrases
- being captivated by the subject either factual or in detail
- feeling sensations of light and sound that are more or less intense as compared to others.
- focussing on specific objects or actions
- who have specific food preferences or dislikes for foods with particular texture
What are the signs different for women?
The symptoms of autism seen in women are not that much different from the symptoms of men. Yet, researchersTrusted Source believe that girls and women are more likely to disguise or cover up their symptoms. This is especially prevalent with females on the highest functioning end of autism spectrum.
Common camouflage techniques are:
- Attempting to keep eye contact in conversations
- making jokes or phrases in advance to be used in conversations
- imitating the social behaviour of other people
- imitating gestures and expressions
Although both males with autism and females with autistic traits can disguise their signs, it seems to be more common among females and girls.
This may be the reason why girls and women are much less likely to have been identified as autistic.
It’s important to know that research studies examining the differences in autism between men and women have proven to be extremely insignificant or even flawed. Researchers aren’t able to provide conclusive information on the difference, or whether they’re real or an effect of concealing.
However an most comprehensive studies conducted on the subject indicates that, when compared with men, women with autism are:
- More social issues and problems with social interaction
- less of an ability to adjust
- less of a propensity to be a bit focused on an activity or subject.
- More emotional issues
- More language and cognitive problems
- More problematic behaviours, like getting angry and acting out
A lot of large long-term studies are required to make any definitive conclusion about the prevalence of autism in women.
What can cause women to be autistic?
The experts aren’t certain of the cause of autism. Because of the broad range of symptoms and severity autism could be caused by a number of factors, such as genetics and environmental influences.
Although there’s no evidence to suggest that the reason for autism differs among males and females, experts have suggested that boys have an increased risk of being diagnosed with it.
For instance, researchers involved in the study above think that girls could have genetic factors that lower their chances of being diagnosed with autism.
There’s also a new theory known as”the “extreme male brain” theory. It’s based on the notion that the fetal exposure to testosterone levels that are high within the uterus may alter the development of the brain.
In the end, the child’s brain may be focused more on categorizing and understanding objects, which are traits usually connected to masculine brains.
This is different from socializing and empathizing that are typically connected to female brains.
The impact of hormones on the brain’s development isn’t widely understood yet and this theory is prone to important limitations. It’s still a good start to understand how autism develops and why it is more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Do you have an assessment for autism among women?
There is no test in medicine that can identify autism. It’s often a complicated process , and often requires various types of doctors.
If you think your child may be in the spectrum of autism, schedule an appointment with the doctor. Based on the signs your child is experiencing your doctor could recommend an child psychologist or a pediatric neurologists.
If you think you might have autism that is not diagnosed begin by speaking with your primary physician. A psychologist can assist you in evaluating possible causes of your behavior and identify possible causes. Find out more about working with a physician to obtain an diagnosis of autism.
Autism can be extremely difficult to recognize for adults. It is possible that you will need to see several physicians before you discover one who can address your needs and issues.
If possible, talk to your relatives about possible indications or symptoms you could have experienced as a child. This could help provide your doctor a more accurate picture of the developmental stage you were in during your childhood.
Through the entire process, remember that you are your primary advocate. If you believe that your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, let them know or seek another opinion. The need for a second opinion is common and you shouldn’t be uneasy about it.
What is the process for treating women’s autism?
Although there’s no cure available for autism, medicines may help manage some associated symptoms or disorders that could occur together.
But it is just one of the aspects of autism support. There are many kinds of occupational, physical and speech therapies that assist you in interacting with others around you, and also manage the symptoms you experience.
What can I do to get help?
Since women tend to be more adept at masked their issues Autistic women is a lonely experience. For many women it’s an emotional experience which involves revisiting childhood habits as well as social issues.
Try reaching out to other women with autism. Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network Autistic women as well as the Nonbinary Network is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to helping women and gender nonconforming autistic people.
Even if you’re hesitant to engage with someone there are blogs articles, first-person accounts and doctor’s recommendations on the internet.
Recommended reads
- Thinking in Images.This is the firsthand story of Temple Grandin, PhD, one of the most famous autistic women. She shares her experience as a highly expert scientist and an autistic woman.
- Females as well as Girls diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. This collection of research papers and personal stories provides a variety of views on the way that autistic girls and girls can navigate the world around them.
- I am an AspienWoman. This award-winning book examines how women are uniquely affected by autism throughout their different lives. It also outlines the ways that autism could be more of a positive method of thinking, rather instead of a disease that requires the most aggressive treatment.
Final line
Autism is more prevalent among boys than girls and scientists are beginning to understand the distinct ways in which both genders suffer from autism.
While this may be good news for the next generation, women who believe they might be autistic may still have trouble being diagnosed and finding assistance.
As awareness of autism and its various forms increases as do the available sources.
The internet also makes it easier than ever before to be connected to others even for people who suffer from social anxiety. which is a frequent sign of autism.
