Understanding Early Signs of Autism in Girls

Hello, I am BCBA Minjeong Kwon.

Today I want to talk about an often overlooked yet important topic: the early signs of autism in girls.

Did you know that autism spectrum disorder presents differently in boys and girls?

A recent paper published in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reviewed many papers on how autism spectrum disorder affects girls, and I brought it here because I thought it was an important topic and would be helpful to both parents and therapists.

Why is this topic important?

It’s easy to think that autism presents in the same way in all children, but that’s not the case . Girls may present with autism symptoms differently than boys, which can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.

Understanding these differences can have a significant impact on a child’s growth and well-being. So what are some early signs of autism in girls?

1) Subtle social difficulties:

Girls with autism are said to be able to engage in more typical social behaviors and imaginative play. While boys show more obvious social deficits, girls may appear socially well-adjusted on the surface but struggle with deep social connections and understanding.

This behavior is called “Masking Behavior,” and it delays diagnosis in girls.

2) Less obvious repetitive behaviors:

One of the main characteristics of autism, repetitive behaviors, may be weaker or less pronounced in girls. Another behavior, focusing too much on one thing, if it is seen as “something that girls would be interested in, like an animal,” can be perceived as not having autism spectrum disorder.

Girls are often more repressed than boys in public places, which is why they are often misdiagnosed with ADHD.

3) High anxiety and depression:

Girls with autism are more likely to experience internalized symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. The problem is that misidentifying the cause of these internalized problems can lead to treatment plans that do not address the autism spectrum disorder.

Therapists and families should always consider children's mental health issues as part of a comprehensive approach.

Implications for parents:

As a parent, it's important to understand that your daughter's social difficulties or focused attention may not simply be a result of personality.

It is important to get a proper evaluation from a professional who understands that autism can present differently in girls. Remember, early diagnosis can lead to targeted interventions that support your child’s specific needs, and in the long run, can help your child grow socially and academically!

Implications for therapists:

For therapists working with girls, this study highlights the need for gender-sensitive diagnostic tools and interventions.

Please help us find ways to provide more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective, individualized treatment plans, as existing methods may not be sufficient to capture the subtle ways in which autism manifests in girls!

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Is it really necessary to get a diagnosis if the tendency is not particularly evident?

Understanding the early signs of autism can help you identify and get the support you need as quickly as possible.

Today’s research has shown us the importance of gender-specific strategies in both diagnosis and intervention. If you think your child or a child receiving treatment may be showing signs of autism, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

Thank you for reading today.

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Paper of the Day: Chellew, T., Barbaro, J. & Freeman, N.C. The Early Childhood Signs of Autism in Females: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 11 , 249–264 (2024).