Is my daughter autistic? Part 2: Why girls present differently

Is my daughter autistic? Why neurodiversity presents differently for girls

If you are a parent who has some concerns about your daughter and how she relates to the world around her, or have noticed some key differences between her and her peers, you may be wondering about autism.

Four times as many boys are diagnosed autistic as girls, and girls are diagnosed in the UK on average up to six years later than boys.

The reason for this surprising difference is that autistic girls in general present very differently to boys, and the assessment tools for diagnosis and research have been developed from mostly male samples. This means that girls are often overlooked, signs are missed, they may not meet the criteria for a diagnosis, and the opportunity to support them is lost.

The difference when diagnosing girls

Girls with autism often ‘fly under the radar’ because they don’t fit the stereotypes that have developed around the condition, and because of societal expectations of girls. Examples include:

·       Outbursts, meltdowns or disregulation could be put down to being ‘emotional’

·       Being quiet or shy may be deemed more socially acceptable for a girl than a boy

·       Being obsessively neat and tidy, perfectionism or anxiety around her appearance may be seen as acceptable behaviour and not a cause for concern in a girl

·       The intense interests she has may be more socially acceptable than in boys (for example, a passionate interest in animals vs a focussed interest in trains)

·       Repetitive behaviours are a common autistic trait. In girls, this can include re-reading the same books or watching the same films, which may not be perceived as concerning.

What does masking look like in girls?

A key factor in girls being misdiagnosed – or not diagnosed at all – is masking. Girls are more likely to mask to fit in with their peers. This means they make a conscious, or unconscious, effort to hide or suppress their autistic traits, and it can have significant effects on their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.

The effort involved in camouflaging autistic traits in order to fit in and be accepted by their social group is exhausting, and can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues. It can also result in meltdowns or outbursts at home, when this pressure to conform is released. (See our blog on masking for more on this topic.)

Why Neurodiversity Unravelled are specialists at diagnosing girls

We are very aware of this difference in how autistic girls can present and we build this knowledge into every step of our approach. If you have concerns about your daughter, we are here to help. We use adapted diagnostic tools for girls, as part of our gender sensitive methods. This, combined with our comprehensive assessments, our multidisciplinary team, supportive environment, and commitment to long-term support, set us apart. We understand the unique challenges that girls with autism face and are dedicated to providing the best possible care to help them reach their full potential.

When it comes to diagnosing autism in girls, we have a track record in providing a client-centred approach. Our aim is to help children, young people and their families understand their differences and feel good about who they are. If you suspect your daughter may be on the ASD spectrum, you can trust our team to provide the accurate diagnosis and compassionate care she deserves.

However, our service doesn’t stop at the point of diagnosis. We also offer a package of therapy support to help families to make sense of the diagnosis. In addition, we offer ongoing support to parents to help provide ideas and strategies to help with issues that they are experiencing.

We believe in the importance of early intervention and long-term support

At Neurodiversity Unravelled, we believe that the current statistics around girls being diagnosed later and less often than boys needs to change. We understand that an accurate and early diagnosis of autism in girls can make a significant difference in their long-term development and mental health.

We don’t just stop at diagnosis; we are committed to providing ongoing support. We work closely with families and educational settings to develop personalised intervention plans that cater to the specific needs of each girl.

These plans may include therapies, educational support, and resources to help them thrive in their everyday lives. We collaborate with educators to understand their unique setting and find solutions to enhance their learning environment for female neurodivergent pupils. We support educators to adapt and embrace a neuro-inclusive setting which encourages a sense of belonging in a safe, caring space.

Our experience in diagnosing and supporting girls

We have worked with many families who have come to us with concerns about their daughter. We pride ourselves on taking a sensitive and supportive approach, working in a way that centres the child and the family and listening compassionately.

Our team excels in diagnosing autism in girls due to our deep understanding of the gender differences in ASD presentation. We use adapted diagnostic tools that are specifically for girls, and we use evidence-based practices to ensure the most accurate and reliable diagnoses. Our commitment to staying updated with the latest developments in the field allows us to offer the best diagnostic services available.

We take into account the range of symptoms and behaviours that may manifest in girls with autism, as well as standardised tests, behavioural observations, and interviews with both the child/young person and their family. This rounded approach allows us to gather a complete picture of the child, leading to a more accurate diagnosis.

Testimonials from families we are proud to have helped are a testament to our expertise:

“We had a very 'human' and sensitive experience with this organisation. The time taken to explain the positive aspects of ASC as part of the assessment process for our daughter was hugely helpful to us all. There was also consideration of the pace with which information was shared. We never at any point felt rushed to understand which greatly assisted in minimising overwhelm for us all.  The options for follow-up feels comforting and there is a sense that our daughter's case will be remembered by the team at Autism Unravelled. For any family having to undertake this assessment, especially those with adolescent girls who have spent considerable time masking their behaviour I would really recommend Neurodiversity Unravelled.”

If you would like to discuss your concerns with a member of our team, we offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we can help you and your daughter with the next steps…

https://neurodiversityunravelled.com/contact-us

Email: [email protected]