Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Girls

To continue our coverage of Autism Awareness Month throughout April, we wanted to pass along some information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in girls.  You may already be aware that the ration of boys to girls diagnosed with ASD is more than  4 to 1.  There has never been a specific reason for this gender difference, although questions have been raised about genetic differences.  However, as this article points out, "clinicians and researchers have also come to realize that many 'higher functioning' autistic girls are simply missed."  When girls with ASD are overlooked, misdiagnosed or diagnosed later, it may be because they don't fit the traditional "profile."  The author also notes that girls actually "may be better at hiding the signs, at least when they’re young."  You can learn more about the differences between boys and girls with characteristics of ASD here: 

Why Many Autistic Girls are Overlooked


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