Boy and girls are assessed in the same way, but they may face challenges in different areas.
Some girls will present with typically “male” autistic traits and some boys will present with typically “female” traits.
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 in the same way that many boys do but are often in more culturally acceptable areas. For example:
- Harry Potter
- Our Generation dolls
- boy bands
- make-up tutorials on YouTube
- 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
- become withdrawn than behave aggressively
- mask their differences (many boys do this too, but it is more common in girls)
- have a group of friends who support them and guide 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.
