Grimes reveals the diagnosis of autism – why is it more difficult to distinguish in girls

At the age of 37, the particles are finally connecting the points.

“It was diagnosed [with] ADHD/AUTISM This year and realized that I am a problem problem, which is why I cannot write at all without magic, “Canadian singer recently divided into X, reflecting how an early diagnosis may have affected her childhood.

Her discovery underlines a disturbing trend: autistic girls and women are often diagnosed much later in life – or not at all. Here is all you need to know why so much is falling through the cracks.

Gender separation

CDC data show that approximately one in 36 American children has autism, with traditional estimates showing the disorder is four times more common in boys than in girls.

However, experts have begun to challenge that report, with recent research suggesting nearly 80% of autistic women remain diagnosed at the age of 18, according to Ucla Health.

Why the gap? Since there is no medical test for autism, doctors depend on the story and behavior of a person’s development to make a diagnosis. But since most autism research has traditionally concentrated on men, what we know about the disorder is largely based on the way it manifests itself in boys.

When it comes to women, the way autism presents is not very clear, ”said Dr. Sanjeev Kothare, Director of the Pediatric Neurology Division at the Children’s Medical Center for The Post.

“In general, men have more severe communication and social problems, including repeated behaviors and external problems like ADHD,” Kothare said. â € përgate present -present -less communication and recurrent behaviors, but exhibit more anxiety and depression.â €

In fact, girls in the spectrum may even appear in front of their peers.

“Girls with autism usually show language skills that may seem advanced for their age, which can ironically lead parents and teachers to bypass potential development concerns,” said Ralph Moller, director of therapy and beyond therapy.

Experts say women with autism are often more capable of developing strategies to mask their features of autism, making it harder for doctors to distinguish.

“When a girl shows difficulties in social relationships, but she has learned to mask them, it’s easy to refute her battles as shy or anxiety than a sign of something else, including autism, Moller added.

The consequences of a late diagnosis

Although experts may identify autism at age 2, research suggests that girls are usually diagnosed 18 months later than boys and are much more likely to receive a “late diagnosis” (at 13 or older).

Many women who were later diagnosed in life report that they feel like they never fit or that something was “wrong” with them, which often leads to war with self -esteem, isolation, anxiety and depression, according to the children’s mind institute.

Without a diagnosis, experts warn that spectrum girls often lose vital support that helps them understand their challenges and develop coping strategies, which can have long -term adverse effects on life.

Signs of autism in women

According to Kothare, female adults with autism are often drawn from within, fighting to maintain or initiate relationships and prefer loneliness.

This often stems from the difficulty in reading and responding to social signs, letting them feel anxious and aware of their behavior.

Moreover, many women with autism are self-being because of their sensory sensitivity, where the raised senses-the wind, the light, the sound or the touch make it challenging to tolerate external causatives.

Autism can also affect the ability to stay organized, complete tasks or manage emotions. In childhood, girls with autism often develop great interests, a trait that can continue in adulthood.

Repeated behaviors, or “stimuli”, are another major characteristic. While men can knock or grab their hands, women’s stimulation may seem more refined and acceptable social, such as skin intake or hair rotation, according to Ucla Health.

Conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, OCD and TIC disorders, are also more common in women, especially those later diagnosed in life.

Signs of autism to see in girls

In addition to the features viewed in adults, Moller said that girls with autism often exhibit advanced language skills for their age, which can make parents and teachers bypass potential development concerns.

Imitating others is another common sign. Girls with autism can copy social behavior, such as their obligation to make eye contact because they have learned that they are expected in neurotypical conversations.

While this can make the easier mixing, storing this act may be drainage. That is why, Moller said, it is common for girls in the spectrum to experience emotional melting after returning home after social exits.

“If this happens once or twice, it is probably nothing to worry about, but if these thaws become a trend, and combine with other signs of autism, it may be worth paying closest attention,” he said.