How do autism symptoms differ in males vs females? Also inside: Are females proportionally represented in research? and Eagles Autism Challenge ...
Autism Dispatch
News from the Center for Autism Research at CHOP
NOVEMBER 16, 2017
To understand how autism affects females, we need more inclusive research studies.
In this Issue: Girls with Autism
Close your eyes and picture an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What do you see? If it happens to be a young, Caucasian, suburban boy, your image is not far from what the majority of participants in autism research look like up to now. Of course, just as autism is a spectrum disorder, people with autism come from all walks of life - different ages, races, ethnicities, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Passionate about the inclusion of females in autism research, Dr. Julia Parish-Morris at the Center for Autism Research is among a growing contingent of autism researchers and self-advocates across the country who have made it their mission to make sure autism studies better reflect all people affected with ASD. From early diagnosis to linguistic differences or initiating and maintaining relationships, a more realistic research population will result in a more accurate understanding of ASD and will ultimately lead to more timely diagnosis and improved support for
individuals with ASD and their families, friends, and partners.
Each article in this issue of Dispatch details a different aspect of how autism affects females. Read on to learn more...
Researchers seek answers to why are females less likely to be diagnosed with autism than males.
The Whys of Gender Disparities in Autism
1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism (ASD), but research tells us that females are less likely to be diagnosed than males. Is it genetic? Does autism look different in males than in females?
New research
reveals sex-based speech differences in individuals with autism.
Um, Uh,... Unmasking Autism
Children with ASD tend to use speech fillers-specifically "um"- less frequently than their neurotypical peers. New research from CAR now reveals That boys and girls with ASD use these speech fillers differently: a small but significant clue that we need to be attuned to the ways autism appears differently in boys and girls.
Girls with autism may appear as if they "fit in", but report feeling lonely.
Members of the Lonely Hearts Club?
Like most young girls, girls with autism are encouraged to be friendly and outgoing from a very young age. Researchers believe this emphasis on social engagement may complicate diagnosis and leaving girls with ASD lonely in friendships and relationships as they grow up.
Friday and Saturday, May 18th- 19th, join the Philadelphia Eagles players, alumni, coaches, executives, cheerleaders and SWOOP on Lincoln Financial Filed for the
Advances in understanding autism and related disorders are only possible as a direct result of the participation of individuals and families. We have opportunities for all ages, and you do not need an autism diagnosis to participate.
Simply put - scientists cannot make real progress without your help. We need you! Learn about current studies
