There exists a popular misconception that autism is less common in girls than boys, and the fuel behind this myth lies in the fact that our understanding of the condition is primarily based upon studies of boys with autism. There are currently four boys that have been professionally diagnosed with autism for every one girl, and this leads to the knock-on effect of girls going undiagnosed for longer periods of time, and therefore missing out on years of specialised support.
It is now believed that autism presents itself differently in girls: overall, they are more likely to mimic the social behaviour of their peers, more likely to successfully learn how to make eye contact during conversations, and it is also more common for autistic girls to fixate upon more “ordinary” interests, such as horses, as opposed to an autistic boy, who might be fascinated by public transport.
Not only are autism diagnoses affected by gender bias but girls with undetected autism often develop other conditions such as depression or anxiety as a direct result of attending school without receiving the extra help that they need. It is also especially easy for girls to slip under the radar if they only experience difficulty with social situations and do not engage in any obvious repetitive behaviours, which are generally considered to be a requirement for an official autism diagnosis.
In order for girls with autism to be more readily identified and given the academic or behavioural support that they might need, we must first realise that no two autistic people are the same; with girls quickly learning how to conceal any “strangeness” from their peers, our common understanding of those on the spectrum must be broadened.
Written by Alex Mulhare
Artwork by Aurora Brooks
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