How does autism differ in males and females?

Boys with autism tend to have very repetitive and limited areas of play. Girls with autism are less repetitive and have broader areas of play. Girls with autism are more likely than boys to be able to respond to non-verbal communication such as pointing or gaze following.

What does masking mean in autism?

Masking and camouflaging are terms used to describe neurodiverse individuals who seek to hide or minimize their autism traits to fit in with the neurotypical world. Individuals with autism, especially ones who have a history of trauma, frequently feel they need to mask their ASD traits in order to fit in.

What are the signs of autism in women?

Girls who have overt symptoms such as obvious self-stimulating behaviors (stims), extreme difficulties with speech and language, severe difficulties with social communication, or significant cognitive challenges, are usually referred for evaluation and diagnosed at a young age.

Why does Autism affect more males than females?

Why Autism Is More Common in Males: Testosterone Affects Gene. A new study offers some clues into the mystery of why autism is four times more common in males than in females. The results show that testosterone and estrogen have opposite effects on a gene nicknamed RORA.

How many girls have autism?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 59 children in the United States. An estimated 1 out of 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. ASD is estimated to affect more than 3 million individuals in the U.S.

What are the symptoms of autism in girls?

Difficulty with social communication (verbal and non-verbal language).