Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, apologies if this isn't meant to be here but I was wondering if anyone had exeprience with female diagnosis.
I've questioned a few times in the past whether I had autism but always dismissed it as I didn't meet all the characteristics severly enough and in the past few years I've grown a bit more sociable and just thought I may have been an odd child and a slightly weird adult.
However, I came across some information recently about how female autism can differ from the male-centered criteria for autism and I fit into most of the characteristics so clearly. Like extreme hoarding as a child, few social interactions, obsession with fantasy role-play, reading and writing, random vocal outbursts (that I have now), repetitive depression, no intimate relationships. I was wondering if anyone other autistic women have experienced these female-orientated symptoms or if they have no real credibiltiy in the medical field or evaluation. I would not like to go an ask for a referral if these types of things wouldn't be taken into consideration.
Thank you.
Hello there, I'm 59 and female and only realised I might have asd last year. I feel sure that there are differences in the presentaion of autism in males and females. I think I coped over the years by trying to mimic the behaviours around me, more or less successfully and sometimes unsuccessful! Tania Marshall has written a lot on the subject and I include a link.
https://taniaannmarshall.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/moving-towards-a-female-profile-the-unique-characteristics-abilities-and-talents-of-asperwomen-adult-women-with-asperger-syndrome/
There's a lot of relevant information on this site too. It can take a while to track things down, but it's worth it. I hope you'll find the site helpful. Lots of nice people contribute.