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Are females underdiagnosed?

piggy1401

Hi everyone. I sometimes think about something and then can’t get it off my mind... this has been on my mind for the last week.  

People often say that females are underdiagnosed with autism or that they get a later diagnosis than males, what’s everyone’s opinion on that? Is it true? And if so why do you think it is?

Parents

  • piggy1405,

    It's true that it is more difficult to diagnose females on The Autism Spectrum. Historically, it was assumed only men could be Autistic so all the criteria is from observation of Autistic males making it gender bias.

    Females are better at hiding their "autism traits," while it's not usual for a young boy to hide his autism. I've listened to a lot of autistic people share their experiences and I can see subtle differences between how males and females are affected. 

    Some of the females I've listened to shared that the diagnostic test failed them, eventually they were diagnosed but it took multiple attempts.

    Females getting diagnosed at a later age and more being missed is true.

Reply

  • piggy1405,

    It's true that it is more difficult to diagnose females on The Autism Spectrum. Historically, it was assumed only men could be Autistic so all the criteria is from observation of Autistic males making it gender bias.

    Females are better at hiding their "autism traits," while it's not usual for a young boy to hide his autism. I've listened to a lot of autistic people share their experiences and I can see subtle differences between how males and females are affected. 

    Some of the females I've listened to shared that the diagnostic test failed them, eventually they were diagnosed but it took multiple attempts.

    Females getting diagnosed at a later age and more being missed is true.

Children
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