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It’s reasonable to say a majority of the population is now aware of the existence of Autism & the fact that it is not limited to any specific gender or age group.  That’s a good step forward, as it helps to break the stigma that has long been associated with being different. With that said, there’s still a lack of understanding when it comes to recognizing Autism in girls and women.

Did you know that autistic traits can present differently in females compared to males?

As a specialist occupational therapist and owner of Caerus Therapies, Conor McDonagh is well-versed in the unique challenges faced by women and girls with autism. In one of his informative TikTok videos, he shared his top five most common signs of autism in this specific demographic. 

Sensory challenge

The first but not the only trait he mentions is sensory processing issues. Autistic girls and women may experience heightened sensitivity to loud noises and certain sounds, as well as discomfort with specific textures of clothing.

This may sound like a minor issue, but for individuals with autism, it can greatly impact their daily lives to the point of avoiding certain environments or experiencing extreme discomfort with everyday activities like getting dressed.  

Executive functioning challenge

Next is about executive functioning, a term referring to the cognitive abilities involved in planning, organizing, and carrying out tasks. So yes, autistic girls and women may struggle with this aspect, making it challenging for them to sort through their thoughts and translate them into actions effectively.  

Diet

As mentioned earlier, sensory processing difficulties is a huge characteristic of autism but sensory issues can also manifest in food preferences and aversions. This is the fourth point he raises, highlighting that females with autism may be very picky about what they eat due to their heightened sensitivity to taste and smells.

Such dietary restrictions can greatly affect their overall health and well-being, making it important for proper support and understanding from those around them. 

Poor sleep

Speaking of sleep, it’s a commonly reported issue among females with autism, which can greatly impact their daily functioning and overall quality of life. This emphasizes the importance of addressing and supporting sleep difficulties in individuals with autism, especially women and girls who may be more vulnerable to these challenges. Failure to address these issues can have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of their lives, further highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for those with autism, regardless of gender.

Do you need support related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of autism? Look no further because here at Illinois Autism Center, we offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to help individuals with autism thrive. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing the best care and support for individuals with autism, taking into consideration their unique needs and challenges.

Let us be your partner in this journey towards better health and well-being. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with autism.