When it comes to autism, it seems that many more boys than girls have the condition. However, researchers now realize that often girls with autism go undiagnosed because they don’t show the same symptoms or degree of severity that boys do. Therefore, if you notice anything in your daughter that might make you wonder if she could have autism, set up an appointment with her doctor for a checkup and evaluation. Then, call EMIT Therapeutics at 844.983.0240 to seek support for your daughter from our New Jersey autism treatment program.
Autism Symptoms in Girls
Girls and boys don’t always have the same autism symptoms. Often, parents and pediatricians recognize problems in boys easier because they may have more severe symptoms. Girls, however, can have more subtle signs of autism. Therefore, you need to be extra vigilant if you have a daughter.
One way that girls may hide autism symptoms is by being quieter. Since they don’t talk as often as boys, these quieter girls may have communication struggles that go unnoticed.
Additionally, if your daughter has signs of autism, she may hide her emotions more instead of having outbursts. Consequently, if you don’t notice significant behavior problems, you may not be aware of your daughter’s condition. Also, girls, even those with autism symptoms, tend to handle social situations better than boys.
Though girls will often have behavior problems, they may hold their actions in check until after school. Once they get home, their behavior changes to become more disruptive. Therefore, their teachers at school may overlook issues that you, as their parent, see.
Another way that signs of autism in girls differ from those in boys is the lack or lesser degree of repetitive or restrictive behaviors. For example, while boys with autism may develop fixations on a particular topic, such as dinosaurs, girls do not show the same type of behavior. Some researchers believe that the definition of fixations focuses more on things that may interest boys more than girls, thereby reducing the chances of a girl exhibiting the issue.
If you have concerns about your daughter, talk to your pediatrician or get a second opinion.
Why Autism in Girls Is Different
Girls don’t typically fit the model of autism. Consequently, doctors often miss autism in girls because they believe boys are much more likely to have this condition. Therefore, pediatricians do not look for signs of autism in girls or suggest that symptoms have other causes than autism. In many cases, the symptoms need to be more severe in girls before they receive a diagnosis.
However, your daughter can have autism. Use your knowledge of your child to advocate for getting her the treatment she needs. Because doctors often miss autism early in girls, the children may miss out on crucial early intervention programs that could help them before they start school.
How You Can Find Help for Your Daughter
If your daughter has an autism diagnosis, you should enroll her in autism support services. With EMIT Therapeutics, you don’t have to worry about leaving home. We come to your home or offer telehealth autism treatment services for your child. We will follow a tailored plan to match the needs of you and your child.
Our treatment options include the following services:
- Speech therapy
- Applied behavior analysis therapy
- Early intervention programs for toddlers
- Social skills group
- Parental training information
Set Up a Free Evaluation for Your Child at EMIT Therapeutics
If your daughter’s pediatrician recently diagnosed her with autism or if you suspect that she has autism symptoms, connect with us at EMIT Therapeutics. We offer a free consultation that lasts 15 minutes. For general questions, contact us through our online form or use our phone number, 844.983.0240. We are here to help you and your daughter get the support you need and treatment for her.
