The presentation, recognition and diagnosis of autism in women and girls

• Published in: Advances in Autism Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 194 - 207
• Main Authors: Driver, Bethany, Verity Chester
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 11.08.2021
• Subjects: Autism; Behavior; Children & youth; Communication; Females; Gender differences; Males; Peers; Sexes; Social interaction; Social skills
• DOI: 10.1108/AIA-12-2019-0050
• ISSN: 2056-3868

PurposeAutistic women and girls have received comparatively less attention within clinical practice and research. Research suggests women tend to be diagnosed later than men, and are more likely to experience misdiagnosis.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims to report a narrative literature review that examines research on the presentation, recognition, and diagnosis of autistic women and girls.FindingsFindings suggest that autistic females present differently to males and highlight low recognition of the female presentation of autism among the general public, in social spheres, educational, clinical and forensic settings. This lack of recognition appears to affect the likelihood of females being referred for diagnosis, the reliability of diagnostic assessments and subsequent access to support.Originality/valueRecommendations for clinical practice focus on initiatives to increase awareness of the female presentation of autism, improving the diagnostic process for females, increasing female representation within autism training and for future research to support these goals.