![]() Women also often mask features of autism by copying their peers. They also often have more “socially acceptable” interests, as girls and women with autism have been found to showcase a stronger desire to fit in with their peers. While focusing on the signs of autism in women and girls, one of two words is often used - subtle or significant.Īlthough each individual with autism is unique, whether they’re a man or a woman, women tend to have fewer repetitive behaviors and restricted interests in comparison to men. Women may also be somewhat “protected” compared to males in regard to genetic mutations. In terms of biological variables, the brains of individuals with autism tend to show gene expressions that are more typical among males than females. When scientists followed children from infancy and repeatedly screened for autism to minimize this bias, a three-to-one sex ratio was still found. This theory was supported by research presented at the 2015 International Meeting for Autism Research. However, even if this diagnostic bias was overcome, men would still likely be diagnosed more often than women. Many of the tools used to diagnose autism are also based on observations of behaviors in boys and men, and since autism may look different in females, the current sex ratio is likely inaccurate. Since signs of autism in women may not be as obvious, and because doctors, teachers, and parents often associate autism with boys, a significant number of girls and women with autism may be overlooked. Researchers are concerned that females who are more mildly affected are being missed. As reported by Spectrum, girls are often diagnosed only if they showcase significant social impairments. This means that female autism symptoms may be tougher to spot. When it comes to autism and women, research suggests that girls receive diagnoses later in life. ![]() ![]() While focusing on the factors that may affect this sex ratio, it’s important to remain mindful of a possible diagnostic bias. The Differences Among Men and Women with Autism This leads us to question the differences among boys and girls with autism in relation to female autism symptoms vs those presented in males. Data suggests that for every girl with autism, there will be 4.2 boys diagnosed with autism. The most comprehensive data available on the sex ratio for autism is based on a 2017 analysis, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The way in which autism is defined and diagnosed may also influence this male to female ratio - otherwise known as a diagnostic bias. Autism is significantly more common among boys than girls, and while the reasons behind this skewed sex ratio are not fully understood, biological variables are believed to play a role. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |