Autism Spectrum Disorder, or what most call Autism for short, is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and it’s important to raise awareness about the symptoms and how they can manifest differently depending on many individualized factors such as age and gender. I’m going to focus strictly on symptoms of Autism in teen girls in this post. This is a group that is often overlooked in discussions about Autism.
First, let’s talk about what Autism actually is. The spectrum of Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It’s called a “spectrum” disorder because it can manifest in a wide range of ways, from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of Autism include difficulty with social interaction, repetitive behaviors or routines, and sensory sensitivities. It is often diagnosed in early childhood, but some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
To preface, I will be generalizing based on evidence that has been found to be common differences based on gender. Now with keeping that in mind, let’s talk about how Autism can present differently in teen girls. One of the reasons that Autism is often overlooked in girls is that they may present with different symptoms than boys. For example, girls with Autism may be better at masking their symptoms in social situations, which can make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. This could be likely due to the fact that girls may be more socially motivated than boys. Also, they may be more likely to have co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression, which can further complicate diagnosis. Some of this can be attributed to the stigma around boys seeking support for their mental health or asking for help with emotions. Whereas it is more socially acceptable for girls to seek out support in exploring personal and emotional challenges with a professional. I digress, that’s a long topic I could discuss separately.
So, what are some specific symptoms of Autism in teen girls to look out for? Here are a few:
- Difficulty with social interaction: This is one of the hallmark symptoms of Autism, and it can manifest in a variety of ways. Teen girls with Autism may struggle with making and maintaining friendships. They may have difficulty understanding social cues and may not pick up on nonverbal communication. They may also feel challenged when expected to engage in small talk.
- Repetitive behaviors: Another common symptom of Autism is a need for sameness or routine. They may also have specific routines or rituals that they follow. Examples include: Hand flapping: This involved repeatedly flapping hands, commonly in front of the face. Rocking back and forth: This can happen whether sitting or standing. Spinning: This would look like spinning around in circles, either alone by with an object. Repeating words or phrases: As it sounds, your teen may repeat the same phrase or word over and over. Routines and rituals: These routines or rituals would be strict and need to be followed every day. If not, your teen would could become upset or anxious if they’re disrupted. It’s important to note that since Autism is on a spectrum, repetitive behaviors may or may not interfere with daily life.
- Sensory issues: Many individuals with Autism have sensory processing issues and sensory sensitivities. Teen girls with Autism may be sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or smells. This may present itself by her getting overwhelmed or uncomfortable with things like bright lights, loud noises, or scratchy clothing.
- Difficulty with communication: Girls with Autism may struggle with communication in a variety of ways. They may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings and may not understand sarcasm or figurative language. They may also have trouble expressing themselves verbally or recognizing nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language.
- Special interests: Many individuals with Autism have intense interests in specific topics. Teen girls with Autism may have a deep knowledge of a particular subject and may want to talk about it frequently. They may also become obsessed with a certain hobby or activity. This could present itself as your teen spending hours researching a topic and then looking to share their knowledge with you.
If you suspect that your teenage daughter may have Autism, it is important to seek out a professional diagnosis. A diagnosis can help your daughter get the support and resources that she needs to thrive. Some common treatments for Autism include therapy, medication, and educational interventions.
Don’t forget, Autism is a complex and multifaceted condition that can manifest in a variety of ways. Girls will present symptoms that could be similar but also different than boys. Autism is not something to be ashamed of! With the right resources and support, those who live with Autism can lead a happy and fulfilling life.
