Unique perspectives: the autistic spectrum in women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/cuaieed.16076079e.2023.24.6.18Keywords:
Autism, women, late diagnosisAbstract
The autism spectrum disorder, characterized by alterations in social communication and restricted behaviors, exhibits a prevalence that highlights a ratio of 1 woman to every 3 men, indicating a female underrepresentation. Women express autism traits uniquely, posing challenges in identification and diagnosis. Two profiles are observed: the externalizing, with seemingly sociable yet deficient interaction, and the internalizing, marked by shyness and focus on activities such as reading and painting. During the preschool and school stages, girls display a more developed symbolic play and greater social interests compared to boys under similar conditions. Challenges emerge in adolescence, including perfectionism, school bullying, and mild self-injurious behaviors. Many women receive late diagnoses, exemplified by figures like Ladyhawke, Susan Boyle, and Mexican psychologist Yeimy Molina. Diagnostic instruments for autism lack gender sensitivity. Conducting research, developing instruments, and implementing clinical interventions with a gender perspective is of utmost importance.
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