It can take parents years to confirm an Asperger’s diagnosis for their child – and it’s even harder for girls. Learn more about this form of autism and what you can do
When a child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, early intervention is the best chance at achieving a more successful, independent outcome. But when it’s a girl – and when the type is Asperger’s syndrome, so-called “high-functioning autism” – this can be tough.
Asperger’s a fairly new disorder, diagnosed in the United States since the 1990s, and commonly missed in kids. Compounding that, professionals and parents often don’t readily consider it a diagnosis for girls. Yet it’s key to catch in any gender to avoid painful social isolation and debilitating emotional problems down the road. (Note: Here are additional resources in southeast Michigan.)
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
People with Asperger’s sydrome, or AS, have difficulties with nonverbal communication and social interaction – though kids with AS do not usually lag behind their peers in language and cognitive development. How is it different?
“(They’re) typically motivated to interact with others, but find themselves socially isolated because of their odd communication style,” note experts Marc R. Woodbury-Smith and Fred R. Volkmar. That style is often overly formal and may sound like an “in-depth monologue.”
Franklin psychologist Carol Schwartz, Ph.D., has diagnosed and treated many children and adults with AS. She often sees an added layer of emotional issues.
“They tend to be very anxious,” she says, and “have obsessions that look very much like OCD (or) they know extraordinary information about a very minor subject.”
People with milder cases may never be diagnosed, yet lead successful lives. Others may be plagued with an inability to understand simple social situations and nuances and then fail, repeatedly, to build relationships.
The girl gap
Statistically, about 10 boys are diagnosed with AS for every one girl. However, many leading experts believe the ratio is closer to 2 1/2 boys per girl.
It could a “squeaky wheel” situation. Dr. Wilkinson says AS boys typically act more inappropriately with their peers, getting earlier notice from parents and educators, leading to earlier referrals for assessment. Dr. Schwartz doesn’t believe boys and girls with AS present differently, but acknowledges, “The girls tend not to be as angry. If the girl fits in and is well-behaved, (schools) don’t care.”
Gender biases also play out in symptoms. Many lists that might be available to parents and educators continue to state kids with AS may have obsessions with trains and dinosaurs, leaving out that AS girls are different.
Psychologist Richard Howlin, Ph.D., of Chelsea has worked with many AS girls since the mid-1990s. He says girls with AS also tend to be diagnosed later; however, that doesn’t imply fewer challenges.
“Peer acceptance is far less easily achieved and bullying is common,” he says. “Girls with AS are more likely to have co-morbid problems, such as depression and anxiety.”
Read in Full:Â http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/August-2010/Girls-and-Asperger-039s-Syndrome/
1. Linny left…
My daughter was diagnosed at the age of 4 thanks to a keen-eyed nursery teacher with experience in these matters. I had always suspected something was wrong but everyone else dismissed it, saying “there was nothing wrong”. Since she has started High School, after disguising it well, we have hit a crises point…now the non-believers are saying..”ahhh yes..see what you mean” Sophie, my daughter, has developed selective mutism as a result of her anxiety and speaks in a high-pitched voice. Her anxiety now controls her life, and needs, and gets, a lot of emotional support from family. However, at school. she is an object of fun and curiosity. The most frustrating thing about the whole thing is, not the Aspergers itself, none of those who love Sophie have a problem with it… it is the ignorance of others! It seems to be a problem for everyone else. Sophie does not speak, if she does, it is very little, therefore she is ignored and considered “a freak”. I wish that the teachers would explain to the so-called “normal” kids what ASD is, and how it effects people like Sophie. Until this happens, ignorance will provide a barrier to understanding. Sophie cannot understand why she does not find the talk of the other girls, interesting. They talk boys, shopping, make-up and clothes (yawn) Sophie wants to talk, the damage to the environment, the ice caps melting, is the world ending in 2012, and do aliens exist? I have learnt to accept that Sophie will always be different, it’s just difficult to get HERSELF to accept it at the moment. I have said, on a more positive note, that sometimes it’s good to be different, and that following “the sheep” provides no individuality. I also told her about some of the greatest names in history who were suspected as having ASD, and that it was probably the fact they were Aspies, that gave them the genius to do what they were famous for. The main thing is, the people that count in Sophie’s life are understanding and love her unconditionally…the rest…well, that’s their problem!
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