Why has this been an unusual topic in society and more so in science? If you want to learn more about the problems in the diagnosis of girls and women stay in this article in which we will explain everything with the best details and professionalism.
To understand more about this disorder and why there are problems at the time of diagnosis, we have to give a small summary of what autistic disorder treats and what its visible symptoms are.
Autism Disorder: What is it about?
The disorder is among the neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by disturbances related to communication and social interaction, as well as by fixed interests and repetitive behaviors.
Pervasive developmental disorders, such as ASD, often involve extensive impairment of various functions. In a very brief way, the following symptoms could be highlighted:
- Stereotyped body movements.
- Abnormalities in the emission, form and content of language
- Marked anomalies in non-verbal communication.
- Irrational insistence on following routines.
- Restricted interests or activities.
- Deficits in social or emotional reciprocity.
- The intellectual level of individuals with some ASD is extremely variable and ranges from profoundly impaired to higher levels.
Due to the lack of knowledge about the causes of autism, it is currently virtually impossible to prevent its onset. However, early diagnosis, knowledge of the disease and, above all, a family environment that is committed to the problem, with the help of the right professionals, can contribute significantly to the well-being of people with ASD.
It is clearly a disorder that can be treated but not cured.
The signs of autism in girls and women are not the same as those in boys and men.
More importantly, they may be easy to overlook, especially in cases of people with autism who show “high functioning” in their lives.
One of the difficulties researchers experience is that girls with autism seem to behave in ways that are considered acceptable, if not ideal: they may seem passive, withdrawn, dependent on others, uninvolved, or even depressed.
They may be passionately and even obsessively interested in very specific areas, just like children with autism, but unlike them, they don’t necessarily gravitate toward “analytical” areas, such as technology or mathematics.
Unfortunately, in Western culture, girls who display these behaviors are more likely to be bullied or ignored, rather than diagnosed and treated.
Another factor that may influence diagnostic bias has to do with cultural beliefs about how girls should relate: they are generally considered to be more shy than boys, have more quiet play, have interests that explore in depth and build collections, etc., so these behaviours do not attract attention. On the contrary, it has contributed to girls with autistic and potentially diagnosable features going unnoticed by professionals because they meet these socio-cultural expectations, resulting in the average age of detection of females being later.
Much has been documented about the great mental burden required in the socialization of women.
Their diagnosis is later because as they grow up, society begins to demand more of their minds.