Autism in Women: Under-Diagnosed Due to Gender Bias
Autism has long been considered a disorder more common in men. However, recent research suggests that this disparity may be due to doctors missing the signs of autism in women.
Gender Bias in Autism Research
Traditionally, research on autism has focused disproportionately on males, leading to the assumption that women have the same underlying neurobiology as men with autism. This assumption has overlooked the possibility that women may experience and express autism differently.
Brain Differences in Men and Women with Autism
Studies using brain imaging techniques have found that there may be differences in the brains of men and women with autism. While the sample sizes in these studies are small, they raise intriguing questions about the role of sex in autism.
Under-Diagnosis of Autism in Women
There are several reasons why women with autism may be under-diagnosed.
- Different Symptoms: Women with autism may exhibit different symptoms than men, such as being more withdrawn and less aggressive.
- Coping Mechanisms: Society teaches different coping mechanisms to boys and girls. Girls with autism may learn to “deal with issues quietly” and imitate the behavior of their peers, making their autism less noticeable.
- Invisibility: As a result of these factors, many girls and women with autism go undiagnosed and may never receive the support they need.
Consequences of Under-Diagnosis
Under-diagnosis of autism in women can have significant consequences.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Women may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, which can delay access to appropriate interventions and support.
- Missed Opportunities: Undiagnosed women may miss out on opportunities for early intervention, which can improve outcomes.
- Social and Emotional Challenges: Women with undiagnosed autism may face difficulties in social interactions and emotional regulation, which can impact their quality of life.
Addressing the Gender Bias
To address the gender bias in autism diagnosis, it is important to:
- Increase Awareness: Educate healthcare professionals and the general public about the different ways that autism can manifest in women.
- Develop Diagnostic Tools: Create diagnostic tools that are sensitive to the unique characteristics of autism in women.
- Conduct More Research: Fund research to better understand the neurobiology of autism in women and develop more effective interventions.
By addressing the gender bias in autism diagnosis, we can ensure that all individuals with autism, regardless of their sex, have access to the support and services they need.
Real-Life Examples
- Jennifer McIlwee Myers, a woman with Asperger’s, notes that girls with autism spectrum disorders are more likely to respond to difficulties with “extreme niceness” and imitating other girls’ behavior.
- Anna North, a writer at BuzzFeed, highlights the case of “invisible girls” with autism who are overlooked because their symptoms are not as noticeable as those of boys.
These examples illustrate the challenges that women with autism face in obtaining a diagnosis and accessing appropriate support.