Why Females with Autism [level 1] Are Less Likely to Be Diagnosed
The vast majority of referrals for a diagnostic evaluation for ASD are boys. The ratio of males to females is roughly around 10:1; however, the epidemiological research for autism suggests that the ratio should be 4:1. Why are girls less likely to be identified as having the characteristics indicative of an autism spectrum disorder? Below are some possible reasons: 1. Each youngster with ASD develops his/her own techniques and strategies to learn how to acquire specific skills and develop coping mechanisms. One technique is to have practical guidance and moral support from one’s friends. Kids on the spectrum elicit from others either strong maternal or predatory behavior. If the youngster’s natural peer group is females, she is more likely to be supported and included by a greater majority of her friends. Thus, females on the autism spectrum are often mothered by "normal" or neurotypical (NT) females, who may prompt the ASD youngster when she is unsure what to
