Published on 12, July, 2020
Women and girls with autistic features are more likely to go undiagnosed than men and boys. It is possible that this is due to a general lack of awareness about the female profile of autism. Recognising differences/difficulties in social communication is a major part of making a successful diagnosis of autism. However, it seems that autistic females (as a group) have some better skills in this area than autistic males. In addition, they may mask their true communication style in order to fit in with non-autistic female peers. These factors can increase the risk of being missed from an accurate diagnosis. Lack of diagnosis leads to limited support for their difficulties. What may start as relatively subtle social communication differences/difficulties can ultimately result in significant emotional difficulties if left unsupported. A key time where emotional problems can emerge seems to be in older childhood and young adulthood.
This study will collect data on social communication skills, areas of support need and impact on emotional well-being. We need to hear from autistic young women or mothers of autistic girls to complete an online questionnaire. This study is for autistic females aged 18-25. Here is the advert for more information: https:////www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/CP/File.php?F=F_9sMh1ZbtWcF5xVc
If you are a parent of an autistic girl aged 11-17, click on the following link for more details, and/or email us letting us know that you are a parent of an autistic child. https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/CP/File.php?F=F_a4XQVfe7k485gUu