Research suggests that there are differences in the presentation of autism in boys vs girls. Boys are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis than girls and are often diagnosed at a younger age. The symptoms are frequently different as well. In this article, Flywheel Centers, experts in working with children with autism, explore the differences between boys and girls diagnosed with autism.
Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder, often referred to as ASD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because it looks different for everyone: some people might have mild symptoms, while others might face more challenges in daily life. ASD is usually identified early in childhood, but it can show up in many ways.
The main traits that define ASD are challenges with social communication and behavior. Children with autism might also like sticking to routines and can have a tough time when those routines get interrupted. In addition, some might have strong, focused interests or do things over and over in a repetitive way.
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Boys and Girls
Although there may be differences in the signs of autism in girls vs boys, they can share common symptoms.
- Social Interactions
Social interactions can be thought of as an unspoken language that most people intuitively understand, but children with autism often struggle to navigate. This can make it harder for them to form friendships or connect with others, even if they want to. - Communication Challenges
Both boys and girls with autism may also face challenges with communication, such as starting or maintaining conversations. They might struggle to join group discussions or keep a back-and-forth conversation going. Some may speak more formally or repetitively, or struggle with non-verbal cues like making eye contact. - Behavioral Patterns
In terms of behavior, children with autism often prefer routines and predictability. They can get upset when situations don’t go as expected or when there’s a sudden change. You might notice repetitive behaviors such as lining up toys, repeating actions, or even focusing intensely on a specific area of interest, such as trains or technology.
Unique Behavioral Patterns in Autistic Boys
It is often easier to identify the signs of autism in boys earlier since they tend to exhibit more noticeable behaviors. Here are some common traits:
- Aggression and Emotional Regulation Issues
Aggressive behaviors, like hitting or yelling, especially at times of frustration or overwhelm are more likely in boys with autism vs girls with autism. These outbursts are a result of difficulty with emotional regulation, where children struggle to manage their emotions effectively. The aggression may seem intense or out of proportion to the situation, as they may have difficulty expressing their needs or dealing with stress. - Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is another common trait in boys with autism. They may find it hard to sit still or focus on tasks for long periods. This makes activities that require concentration, like schoolwork or group activities, more challenging. - Impulsivity and Trouble with Self-Control
The excess energy can lead to impulsivity, where boys with ASD might struggle with self-control. This might mean that they have difficulty waiting their turn and may also interrupt others or act before thinking about what they’re doing. This impulsive behavior can lead to challenges in school or with peers, where patience and taking turns are required.
Why Are There More Boys With Autism Than Girls?
Interestingly, autism is much more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. Research indicates that boys are about four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, which means they make up approximately 80% of autism cases. But why is that?
One factor could be biological differences. Research suggests that boys may be more likely to show signs of autism due to genetic factors, with certain genes making them more susceptible to developing autism.
There may also be differences in brain development that contribute to the higher diagnosis rates in boys. Research suggests that girls and boys with autism may have differences in brain structure and functioning, which might contribute to why boys are more likely to show signs early on. On the other hand, girls with autism might experience different brain development, which could make their symptoms harder to detect or appear differently, leading to later diagnoses.
A third possibility is that autism symptoms can show up differently in girls. Girls may have better social skills or mask their symptoms more effectively, making it harder for doctors to catch the signs. Additionally, the way society expects boys and girls to behave can affect how autism is noticed and diagnosed.
Which Traits Are Often Seen in Autistic Girls?
Autism in girls vs boys often manifests differently, and, in many cases, the signs of ASD in girls are more subtle or harder to recognize. Here are some of the key differences:
- Masking Their Symptoms
Many girls are better at “masking” their autism symptoms than boys. Masking means they work hard to hide their struggles by mimicking social behaviors, such as making eye contact or trying to blend in with peers. This can make it harder for others to see that they’re struggling, especially in school and other social settings. - Desire to Fit In
Relative to boys, girls tend to have a stronger desire to fit in with their peers. This desire to belong can cause them to hide or suppress the discomfort they might feel in social situations. While they try hard to maintain friendships, they can still struggle to understand social cues, leading to challenges in building deeper connections. For example, a girl with ASD might not pick up on a friend’s body language when she’s feeling upset or may not notice when someone is getting bored in a conversation. This can make them feel isolated, as if they’re not truly understood by others or that they don’t quite belong. - Emotional Sensitivity and Social Anxiety
The traits of girls with autism vs boys with autism are often more closely linked to emotional sensitivity or social anxiety. Girls might feel easily overwhelmed by certain situations or have trouble expressing their emotions. These emotional challenges can sometimes resemble anxiety or mood disorders, rather than typical signs of autism. - Special Interests
Girls with autism often have focused interests, but these might be different from the more stereotypical interests seen in boys, such as trains or computers. Their special interests could revolve around topics such as animals, art, or fictional characters. Special interests of a girl with autism vs a boy with autism are often more socially acceptable or less noticeable to others, making them easier to overlook.
By breaking down the behaviors in girls, we can better understand their experiences and make sure they receive the right support at the right time.
Challenges Faced by Autistic Girls in Society
Autistic girls often face some unique challenges, especially when it comes to social and emotional struggles. One of the biggest issues is that autism in girls often goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed later than in boys. This is partly because girls tend to mask their symptoms better and they might copy social behaviors or hide their struggles.
On top of that, society often expects girls to be more socially tuned in and emotionally aware, while it tends to be more socially acceptable for boys to be a bit quirky or unconventional. So when a girl with autism struggles with those aspects of social interaction and understanding, it can be interpreted as her being shy, uninterested, or even rude. Girls with autism may be labeled as “shy,” “quiet,” or “awkward” instead of having their true challenges recognized.
Because of this, many girls with autism grow up without getting the support they need. They might feel like they don’t quite fit in, and this can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration, as they try to navigate social situations that don’t come naturally to them.
Why Early Diagnosis of Autism Matters
Getting an autism diagnosis early on can make a big difference for both boys and girls.
The saying “a stitch in time saves nine” means that taking care of a problem early, when it’s small, can prevent it from becoming much bigger and harder to fix later. So too with early intervention. Getting help early on can help prevent the development of bigger challenges down the road, such as academic struggles or social isolation. By equipping children with the tools to manage their symptoms from a young age, ideally, as soon as the diagnosis is made, they can build a stronger foundation for the future.
With an early diagnosis, children with ASD can begin targeted interventions and specialized children’s therapies that help them progress in areas where they’re behind. Through speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, or a combination of the three, getting support early can help them gain important skills in communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Embracing Individuality in Autism
At the end of the day, boys and girls with autism may exhibit the traits differently and have their own unique needs. While boys often show more obvious signs, like aggression or hyperactivity, girls tend to have more subtle symptoms that don’t always match the typical expectations of autism and can be harder to spot. Understanding these differences, whether it’s how they communicate, their social challenges, or their emotional needs, helps us offer the right kind of support.
Supporting Autism in Boys and Girls
At Flywheels Centers, we recognize that there’s no single approach that works for everyone, and knowing this is key to ensuring both boys and girls with autism receive the tailored support they need. We offer therapeutic interventions based on the latest research, to ensure that children with autism have the chance to grow, succeed, and feel understood. If you are concerned about your child’s development or if you are looking for quality therapy for your child with autism, reach out to us to hear how we can help.
