Signs of Autism in Girls: Symptoms and Characteristics

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Autism will look different for everyone. There are many signs and symptoms of autism to be aware of that can be present in boys and girls. 

Communication Symptoms

Children with autism may have differences in communication. Symptoms of autism related to communication include:

• Doesn’t respond to their name by 9 months of age 
• Unable to express what they want
• Difficulty following directions
• Seems to hear instructions only sometimes
• Doesn’t point or wave
• Used to say a few words but doesn’t anymore

Social Behavior Symptoms

Children with autism may have differences in how they interact with others. Some examples of characteristics related to autism include:

• Doesn’t smile when someone looks at them
• Avoids eye contact 
• Prefers to play alone
• Gets things only for themself
• Has a high degree of independence for age
• Doesn’t show an interest in other children
• Doesn’t notice when other children are hurt
• Doesn't engage in pretend play
• Doesn’t play simple, interactive games like “peek-a-boo”
• Doesn’t imitate silly faces 
• Throws intense tantrums 
• Can be very active, uncooperative, or resistant 

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests 

Children with autism may have behaviors and interests that seem unusual to some people. Repetitive behaviors are sometimes known as stereotyped behaviors. Examples of these behaviors include:

• Does the same thing over and over and can’t move on to other activities
• Attached to specific toys or activities
• Plays with toys the same way every time
• Must follow specific routines 
• Gets upset by even minor changes in routine
• Obsessive interests
• Has “stimming” behaviors like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning in circles
• Repeats words or phrases over and over again (also called echolalia) 
• Lines up toys or objects in a specific order 
• Very sensitive to sensory stimuli

How Are the Symptoms of Autism Different in Girls?

Girls experience the same symptoms of autism as boys, but certain factors may make it harder for caregivers and health care providers to spot. This might be because girls may be better at hiding or camouflaging their symptoms.

Some examples of camouflaging include:

• Forcing eye contact
• Preparing phrases or jokes to use during a conversation
• Learning social scripts 
• Copying other’s social behavior
• Imitating other’s facial expressions or gestures

Girls with autism don’t always fit the model that health care providers use to diagnose autism. Girls may not show as many restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests when compared to boys. 

Studies show that girls can be better at using non-verbal forms of communication, even when other symptoms are more severe.

Evidence from brain scans of boys and girls with autism shows several gender differences in the structure of the brain, especially in the motor cortex—the part of the brain responsible for motor function and planning. This difference in brain structure could explain why girls show fewer repetitive behaviors than boys. 

The “Female Protective Effect”

Researchers have hypothesized that there might be a “female protective effect.” They theorize that girls have some unknown factors that make them better able to resist the factors that cause autism than boys. The theory also says that girls who outwardly show symptoms of ASD will have more severe symptoms.

Why Is Autism Missed in Girls? 

There is no specific test for autism in girls. Most of the screening tests for autism were developed using studies on boys. Additionally, social and cultural beliefs of expected “feminine” behavior can lead to symptoms of autism being overlooked. It is more accepted for a girl to be shy or withdrawn. These same symptoms in a boy may trigger an intervention, whereas in a girl it may be viewed as typical. 

Health care providers may misdiagnose autism as other conditions simply because they are not expecting it, since it is much less common in girls than boys. Autism symptoms can be mislabeled as depression or anxiety. 

The Cost of a Missed Autism Diagnosis

The cost of missed or misdiagnosed autism can be far-reaching. Many girls with misdiagnosed autism grow into their teens and adulthood, thinking something is wrong with them. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They may also be more likely to be bullied. 

When a diagnosis of autism is missed, girls don’t have access to resources and accommodations that can help them reach their full potential.