Autistic boys often focus on what could be considered unusual subjects, like the inner workings of machinery or train timetables, for example. Autistic girls, on the other hand, commonly develop strong interests in things that are considered more typical of girls their age, such as books, dolls, or celebrities.
But girls with autism might not have as many repetitive behaviors as boys, or they might be quieter about them. Having an intense interest in something specific is also common in people with autism. If that interest is something considered “girly,” like horses, a doctor might dismiss it as normal.
Differences with social communication (which increases with age) Choosing behaviors that seem to be shy, quiet, or unusually passive. Having symptoms of anxiety or another co-occurring mental health condition. Challenges with controlling emotion.
finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling. getting very anxious about social situations. finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own. seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.
For autistic people, navigating intimate relationships and dating can present its own unique challenges. As a non-autistic person, it might be difficult to support your autistic partner. They may communicate in a different way to you, or find it hard to express their needs and desires.
Key points. Autistic people tend to experience emotional regulation issues. They may find it difficult to appraise emotional situations, or may suppress their emotional responses. Good appraisal skills are linked to positive mental well-being and suppression is linked with depression.
With autism their play may be repetitive but not raise suspicions if it remains in the realms of gender specific toys and activities. Girls sometimes develop narrow and obsessive interests in collecting insects, stones, leaves or a variety of other random objects or items.
Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.
A girl with Aspergers who does not mimic others appears shy and socially awkward. Her body language is different from her peers, and she seems oblivious to the body language of others. Her voice may lack inflection, and she may show no happiness at the good fortune of others.
Key points. Widespread stereotypes suggest that people with autism are incapable of feeling romantic love. In reality, people with autism can experience romantic love and often attach considerable value to their close relationships.
Autistic characteristics in women and girls may differ from those of other autistic people. They might seem to have fewer social difficulties than autistic men and boys, but this could be because they are more likely to 'mask' their autistic traits (though the stress of doing so can result in anxiety and overwhelm).
Sensory hyperreactivity seems to be especially pronounced in autistic females, so much so that many claim sensory issues are the defining feature of their autism.
Provide opportunities for girls to be themselves - allow time for them to follow their interests and sit with people they feel most comfortable with. Support them to understand what makes them feel anxious and why. Identify and help them with strategies to offset anxiety, helping them to recharge.
To support a girl on the autism spectrum, love, accept, and encourage her for exactly who she is. Understand that the social environment of school may feel confusing, exhausting or unpleasant, and be sure to provide her with a space that is welcoming, understanding, and sensory friendly.
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Autism is very distinct from ADHD, but the core symptoms of ADHD-Combined type, i.e., attention deficit, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, would appear to also be features of autism. ASD and ADHD are neurobiological disorders characterized by similar underlying neuropsychological “deficits”.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Many parents of children with autism have been told that if their child isn't speaking by age 4 or 5, he or she isn't likely to ever do so. Some researchers have countered this view – citing cases of children who developed language during grade-school, or even adolescence.
Between us: Autistic girls use plural personal pronouns such as 'they' and 'us' almost twice as often as autistic boys do. During conversations, girls with autism use “we,” “they” and other words related to social groups differently than autistic boys do, according to a new study.
It may replace real social interactions and behaviors with fantasies and daydreams which is not healthy. For example, a student who is repeatedly bullied at school may retreat into a fantasy world based on their favorite movie.
Blues clues: Young autistic girls tend to have behaviors that resemble depression, such as crying excessively. Autistic children who have behavioral problems tend to have an enlarged right amygdala, a brain region that helps process emotions and detect threats.
Summary. While many people with autism may appear to lack empathy and sympathy, it is not the case for all people with autism. For those who struggle with displaying appropriate empathetic responses, the reasons may relate more to social communication issues than a lack of underlying emotional response.
Girls can also mask by choosing more “socially acceptable” topics as their special interests. For example, a girl might become obsessed with make-up, boys, or celebrities—topics which many neurotypical girls will also show an interest in.