Faced with unique diagnostic challenges and manifestations, autistic women remain a little-understood subject. Explore the specific aspects of female autism that shape their experiences and the strategies they use to navigate everyday life.
Key points
- Recognition of autism in women is complex, partly because of diagnostic criteria based on male case studies, leading to diagnostic bias and often unrecognised or misinterpreted manifestations, such as the adoption of socio-behavioural camouflage strategies.
- Women with autism face distinct daily challenges, including complications in their working lives, social and romantic relationships, as well as an increased risk of co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression, making specialist support and tailored care strategies essential.
- Advances in research and care, as well as awareness-raising and advocacy work by dedicated organisations, aim to improve understanding and inclusion of women with autism, and to adjust diagnostic and therapeutic tools to meet their specific needs.
The uniqueness of autism in women
Autism in women remains an enigma for many. Although pro-social behaviour, anxiety and eating disorders are more frequently observed in women with autism than hyperactivity-impulsivity and repetitive movements typical of their male counterparts, these manifestations often go unnoticed.
In fact, the asymmetry in the prevalence of autism, estimated at 8 men to 1 woman, is not simply a question of biological differences. The difference also reflects a diagnostic bias, with criteria initially based on studying male cases, leaving many women without the right diagnosis.
The masks of female autism
To interact in the world around them, many women on the spectrum adopt masks, ingenious but exhausting camouflage strategies that enable them to fit in by imitating and anticipating socially accepted behaviour. However, this constant performance comes at a high cost, leading to fatigue and anxiety.
Some go as far as aesthetic hypercompensation, relying on make-up and clothes as armour, not to deceive people about their appearance but to blend into the social background.
Social perception and female autism
Organisations such as Yellow Ladybugs are fighting the presumption that women and girls are not prone to autism. By advocating a better understanding of the hidden nature of autism in women and girls, they seek to change perceptions and enrich diagnostic methods.
This activism is essential if we are to overcome clichés and offer a more accurate picture of autism in women.
The little-known signs of autism in women
Detecting autism in women is often complicated by less obvious signs. The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) was created specifically to assess compensatory behaviours, which are common in women.
Asperger's syndrome, discovered by Hans Asperger, can manifest itself without intellectual disability, and signs can appear in childhood or adulthood. These women often experience significant social and emotional difficulties, which can lead to misunderstandings.
In children, collecting and classifying behaviour can be indicative of autism, reflecting specific interests and a need for order.
Daily challenges for women on the spectrum
Women with autism face a range of challenges on a daily basis. Over-adaptation is a frequently used mechanism to mitigate the impact of autism, but it can lead to difficulties both personally and professionally.
Appropriate safeguarding strategies are crucial to enable women with autism to obtain a quality education and establish fulfilling relationships. Fortunately, various forms of support are available, including individual and group therapy, as well as vocational guidance.
Autism spectrum disorders and working life
In the world of work, autistic women like Marie Rabatel may encounter obstacles, particularly when it comes to decoding non-verbal social conventions during job interviews or understanding the unwritten rules that govern their new professional environment.
Communicating and building relationships with colleagues can also be problematic, influencing their career and social interactions at work.
Managing social and romantic relationships
Social interactions and intimate relationships can be complicated for women on the spectrum, due to gendered social norms. Increased risk of sexual abuse, unmet reproductive health needs and high levels of stigma are all specific barriers they face.
Hyper-sensoriality can also be a challenge in intimate relationships, affecting their sex lives.
Mental and emotional well-being
Women with autism and autism spectrum disorders can suffer from co-morbidities such as depression, anxiety and social fatigue, which, if left untreated, can increase their sense of isolation. Tailored self-care strategies are therefore essential to manage their sensory and emotional well-being.
The pathway to diagnosis for adult women
Diagnosing autism in adult women can be a challenging journey, with diagnostic criteria often focused on male manifestations of the disorder. However, growing awareness has led to an increase in the number of women being diagnosed, giving them access to more appropriate accommodation and greater understanding from those around them.
The role of healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the diagnosis process. Ongoing training, supported by resources such as DOCautisme, is essential to ensure that clinical practice complies with the recommendations and is adapted to the specific characteristics of women with autism.
Testimonials from women with autism
Testimonies from women with autism highlight the positive impact of a diagnosis on their self-esteem and their understanding of their own history. Many of them have seen their quality of life improve thanks to greater awareness of their specific needs.
Advances in research and treatment
Research and treatment methods for autism in women are evolving to better meet their specific needs. This is essential if we are to develop a more detailed understanding of autism in women and improve the quality of care.
Evolution of diagnostic tools
Diagnostic tools are evolving to take better account of the manifestations of autism in women. Tests such as ADOS and ADI are examples of methodologies that need to be adapted if they are to be truly effective with this population.
Adapting therapies and specific support
Therapies need to be adapted to the needs of women with autism, particularly with regard to mental health and social skills. Adjusted interventions, such as affinity therapy, can offer more personalised and effective treatment.
Towards greater inclusion and recognition
Recognition and inclusion of women with autism are essential to improve their quality of life. Organisations such as Autism-Europe and Yellow Ladybugs play a key role in raising awareness and defending the rights of people with autism.
Awareness-raising and education
Awareness-raising and education are fundamental to improving women's understanding of autism. Initiatives such as the Autism-Europe congresses help to exchange knowledge and raise awareness among the European public.
Advocacy and rights for women with autism
Advocacy is crucial to promoting the rights of autistic women. Yellow Ladybugs, with its motto ‘nothing about us without us’, ensures that autistic people are listened to and respected in the debates on autism, by remaining alert to the issues affecting them. Tony Attwood, a recognised expert in the field, also supports this cause.
In a nutshell
This blog post has explored the complex nuances of autism in women, from the challenges of everyday life to the journey to diagnosis, and advances in research and care. The aim is to promote greater inclusion and recognition of women with autism to improve their quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main differences between male and female autism?
Women with autism show more pro-social behaviour and anxiety, and less hyperactivity-impulsivity than men with autism.
Why do women with autism use camouflage strategies?
Women with autism use camouflage strategies to adapt to social norms and hide their difficulties, which can lead to fatigue and anxiety.
What are the little-known signs of autism in women?
Compensatory behaviour and difficulties regulating emotions are little-known signs of autism in women.
How are the diagnostic criteria for autism evolving to better recognise autism in women?
The diagnostic criteria for autism are evolving to better recognise autism in women by taking into account the specific manifestations of autism in women.
What is the role of organisations in improving understanding and living conditions for women with autism?
Organisations such as Yellow Ladybugs play a crucial role in raising public awareness, advocacy and recognition of women with autism, helping to improve the understanding and living conditions of women with autism.
Original content from the Upbility writing team. Reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without credit to the publisher is prohibited.
