The following information and resources have been provided courtesy of The Lurie Center for Autism, a program of Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General for Children.

The Lurie Center for Autism is committed to advancing treatments for and knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders, and translating these discoveries into exceptional clinical care. A program of Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General for Children, The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary treatment, research, training, and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals and their families across the lifespan.

This resource is intended to provide information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treat any medical conditions.

Understanding the ASD profile in females: Tips and resources

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both males and females. As of 2021, the CDC estimates a male-to-female prevalence ratio of 4 males:2 females. While symptoms of ASD may present similarly in males and females who have a co-occurring intellectual disability, there is growing evidence that the symptoms and overall profiles of higher cognitive (average IQ and above) males and females are different. ASD affects both males and females; however, it is more commonly diagnosed in boys, and girls and women are typically diagnosed later than boys and men. Traditional assessment measures were developed based on males, which is one reason why some females are diagnosed later than their male counterparts. It is important to note that much of the research to date is focused on binary (male-female) gender identities. The female profile of ASD has been studied in individuals who were born female. Below are some aspects of the female ASD profile to consider:

Females may appear socially motivated and confident.

Females with an ASD profile may show a greater desire to interact with others and strong stronger language skills than their male counterparts. Many females learn to play by imitating or copying how others act in social situations. They may show a strong imagination and love to engage in fantasy play. Due to this social foundation, girls may develop one to two close friendships, using these friendships to learn about social rules and norms. Given their strong social interest, they may develop a tendency to “camouflage” or compensate for challenges with social understanding and communication, making these vulnerabilities difficult to detect in everyday interactions or in the larger classroom setting.

Females’ restricted interests/patterns of behavior may manifest differently.

Historically, providers have been trained to assessed for restricted interests related to stereotypical male interests/activities such as transportation vehicles and inanimate objects. However, many females may show intense interests (or passions) related to people (and sometimes celebrities), animals and books. Repetitive patterns of behavior may manifest as traditional behaviors such as rocking or hand/finger movements but may also related to perfectionistic tendencies and/or restrictive patterns of eating/eating disorders.

Females may be diagnosed with other disorders first.

As many females do not exhibit classic symptoms of ASD, they may receive other diagnoses first including anxiety and mood disorders, learning disorders, and/or eating disorders before their ASD diagnosis is uncovered.

Females, like their male counterparts, can receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate care and support.

Over the past several years, many health care providers are now more attuned to the female ASD profile. When meeting with a provider, ask them about their experience with the profile. Invite them to share with you how their methods for assessment and support are unique for their female patients/clients. All individuals with an ASD profile benefit from support to grow skills related to social understanding and communication as well as means to think and problem solve more flexibly. Often females benefit from female-specific supports and resources given the uniqueness of their profile. Please see the below resources for more information.

Resources

Books for children and teens

Asperger’s and Girls by Tony Attwood

M is the Middle: Secret Crushes, Mega-Colossal Anxiety and the People’s Republic of Autism by the Students of Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin

M is for Autism by the Students of Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin

Sisterhood on the Spectrum: An Asperger Chick’s Guide to Life by Jennifer Cook O’Toole, illustrated by Anne-Loiuse Richards

Slug Days by Sarah Leach

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know by Davida Hartman, illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs
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Books for women

Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women by Dr. Sarah Bargiela

22 Things a Woman with Asperger’s Syndrome Wants Her Partner to Know by Rudy Simone

M is for Autism by the Students of Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin

The Autistic Brain: Exploring the Strengths of a Different Kind of Mind by Temple Grandin

Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World by Laura James
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Books for parents

A Guide to Mental Health Issues in Girls and Young Women on the Autism Spectrum: Diagnosis, Intervention and Family Support by Dr. Judy Eaton

Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years by Shana Nichols with Gina Marie Moravcik and Samara Pulver Tetenbaum