The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

In this session, an overview of the current literature will be presented about what is known about females with ASDs, including research and theory regarding differences in symptom presentation, developmental trajectories, diagnosis and assessment, and prevalence rates. Findings have suggested differences in play behavior and communication, restricted behavior and interests, timeline of social difficulties, functions of disruptive behavior, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Also of interest is the role played by societal expectations for females and the coping skills girls may develop based on early gender socialization. A recent increase in research and media attention, including articles in the NY Times, Newsweek and Psychology Today, and news coverage on ABC’s Night Line, has resulted in the spotlight finally being turned to understanding differences - differences between girls and boys with ASDs, and between neurotypical girls, girls with other neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., ADHD) and girls with ASDs. Further, it is essential to understand what these differences mean for issues related to assessment and treatment. Despite the increase in interest, however, there remains limited information about addressing sex-related differences in a practical way.

Assessment and diagnosis:

Some professionals have begun to think that girls with ASDs are being missed or overlooked during an evaluation because they have different characteristics than boys. Detecting ASDs in females will be discussed, including the need for careful examination of communication skills, cognitive abilities, social awareness and motivation, motor skills, behavior, and play skills and interests. Specific assessment strategies and important issues to consider will be reviewed.

Intervention and supports:                                                                                                                                                                            

In our work, we have learned how important it is for girls and parents to connect and learn from each other; we have seen how damaging it can be when girls feel isolated and rejected, and begin to withdraw from their family members and peers. Because families of girls with ASDs often have a smaller support network due to the sex ratio of the disorder, it can be hard for females with ASDs to make friendships with other girls, and for parents of daughters to feel supported. This presentation will provide parents, educators and other professionals with a tool kit for addressing the unique issues faced by females with ASDs. Topics include:

·         Female friendships and girl bullying

·         Self-esteem and self-confidence

·         Media, fashion and “fitting in”

·         Coping with the culture of gender

·         Mental health

·         Puberty, sexuality and personal safety

To highlight the above issues, including effective techniques and strategies, we will share case examples of applications from our “Girls with ASD” program, including videotaped personal experiences and suggestions from mothers, their daughters and women with ASDs. Our program is unique to families and daughters in learning not only skills and strategies, but more importantly, a sense of validation and connection: You are not alone. Importantly, there is currently very little information available to families, therapists and educators about best practices in intervention and education specific to females with ASD, outside of what is known about ASDs in general. In this session, we hope to provide families and the professionals who work with their daughters important information and tools for helping females with ASDs reach their full potential.