Do You Suspect Your Daughter Has Autism? Autism in Girls: Differences to Look For

Authored by Elise Weinstein, M.S. , CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist at The Village Therapy Place

It is well-known that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more prevalent in males than females, approximately a 4:1 ratio. But recent research shows that some high-functioning girls with ASD may be overlooked because of the differences in how ASD presents in boys and girls.

What differences are noted by researchers?

·        Girls tend to have less-obvious “restrictive, repetitive interests.”

Boys may have obvious restrictive interests- such as an obsession with a particular animal. Their “repetitive play” may also be more easily recognizable as “disordered,” such as a boy that only likes to line up shapes from the shape sorter instead of using the toy as intended.

Girls, unlike boys, are more likely to demonstrate age-appropriate interests in toys (e.g. interests in dolls, art, and ponies). However, the quality of play is likely to be reduced, as they may engage in more repetitive actions during play (e.g. play with dolls by sorting articles of clothing by type; play with jewelry beads by stringing them only by color) or engage in “rigid” pretend-play (e.g. always set up the tea party the same way; play with dolls in a dollhouse, but always say the same “script” during play).

·        Girls tend to be more socially motivated than boys and therefore show less severe social deficits.

Boys with autism are less likely to hide their socially-deviant behaviors. You may find them walking around the playground alone, seemingly lost in their “own world,” or spinning in circles on the playground. These socially deviant behaviors are obvious to parents and teachers alike.  

Girls have been found to try to camouflage their deviant social behaviors to try to conform, presumably due to higher social pressures to “fit in.” Girls with ASD may look like they are on the playground playing with other girls, although they really may be playing next to the other girls instead of with them. Some girls may identify a popular girl in the class and try to copy her behaviors, dress, and verbal expressions in an attempt to fit in.

·        Girls tend to internalize emotions unlike boys whose emotions tend to spur external behaviors.

Boys with ASD may demonstrate negative external behaviors (e.g. hyperactive behaviors, throwing tantrums, misbehaving) that are easily identifiable and cause for concern for both teachers and parents.

Girls with ASD may internalize their feelings and present as “shy” or “quiet.” These characteristics do not cause disruption to the home and school environment, making parents and teachers less aware that there is an issue. However, internalizing feelings can lead to anxiety and depression.

Signs to Look for in Girls:

·        Play:

o   Rigidity: Is she adaptable when you suggest a different way to play? Or does she insist on keeping the play structured and rigid?

o   Intensity: Are her age-appropriate interests in toys more intense?

o   Play with Others: Does she engage in parallel play (next to other children) instead of cooperative play (together with other children).

o   Exhaustion: Is she unusually tired-out after social engagements (e.g. school, birthday party)?

·        Language:

o   Conversation: Does she have difficulty starting, maintaining, and/or ending conversation? Does she take turns in reciprocal (back and forth) conversation with others?

o   Echolalia: Does she tend to repeat what she says? Does she repeat others instead of saying something novel?

o   Scripting: Does she frequently quote sentences from a favorite book or TV show during conversation (this may be noted during play as well)?  

Appropriate diagnosis and early intervention can help girls with ASD have better outcomes and lead happier lives. It can also help their caregivers (parents, teachers) better assist them with the challenges they face (e.g. understanding social cues, comprehending figurative language).

Are you concerned that your child may have ASD? Reach out to The Village Therapy Place today at (201) 201-8220. We are here to support the whole family! We can provide therapies to address your child’s language, sensory, and social needs, and refer you to professionals that can determine the etiology of your child’s difficulties.

Source:

Volkers, Nancy. “Invisible Girls.” The ASHA Leader, 1 Apr. 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.FTR1.23042018.48

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