Boy and girls are assessed in the same way, but they may face challenges in different areas.
Girls often present differently to boys, with a more internalised presentation of autism. This means that signs of distress may not be as obvious or observable and children can appear calm, shy or passive.
In the past, more boys than girls were diagnosed with autism.
That is starting to change as we understand more about the differences between girls and boys.
Girls are more likely to:
- have special interests that are similar to their neurotypical peers, but the intensity of the interest sets them apart from neurotypical girls. Interests may include:
- reading books
- a particular band or musician
- a TV show of film series
- seem to better manage social relationships when they are young, but differences with social understanding and communication may become more noticeable in later primary years as they approach adolescence
- mask their differences (many boys do this too, but it is more common in girls)
- have a group of friends or one very close friend who supports and guides them through difficult social situations. However, these relationships can change as girls grow up and interests change. They may find it very difficult to lose friends and the support they offered.
