Misconceptions, stereotypes could delay autism diagnoses for girls

[AGXStarseed]

(Not written by me)


NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Pediatricians say young girls and boys with autism spectrum disorder behave differently. Those differences might create an issue when considering the criteria used to diagnose autism. In fact, for every four boys, only one girl is diagnosed with autism.

Research shows signs of autism include a lack of eye contact and wanting to be alone. Children with autism tend to be shy. Many people consider those behaviors unusual in boys, but they see the same behaviors in girls as ordinary, feeding a stereotype.

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters pediatrician Dr. Janice Keener said misconceptions are leading to misdiagnosis.

“The teachers are obviously going to red flag the kids, and, typically, the boys who are being kind of louder, more rambunctious, or what have you, and those are going to be flagged quicker because of their overt behavior,” said Keener.

Doctors said sometimes autism in girls is mislabeled as other issues including anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Experts said that can be an problem because it can delay diagnosis. That, in turn, prevents early intervention for children with autism.

Join 13News Now at 11 p.m. on Monday, November 13 as we explore the gender gap in autism and talk to a mother about the journey to an autism diagnosis for her daughter.

© 2017 WVEC-TV


Source: Stereotypes could delay autism diagnoses for girls

 

[dragoncat16]

I don't really understand how autism could be confused with anorexia. OCD or ADHD perhaps, but anorexia?

Why are parents relying on teachers to make an initial diagnosis, anyway? Surely a parent would know if his or her child were having trouble with social interactions.

Since when are autistic boys louder or more rambunctious than NT ones, anyway? What this article tells me is that only kids that are troublemakers are "red-flagged" as possibly having a disorder, while the ones who are quiet and behave themselves are overlooked, even if those kids are bullied or are unable to interact with their peers. This suggests that, even now, there are many kids on the spectrum that are never diagnosed.

It seems to me that the system fails kids on the spectrum, particularly girls, because there is really no system at all. Perhaps it would be better if there were some type of screening program, in which an actual expert (not just someone with an education degree and no diagnostic training) visited schools and observed behaviour of groups of children interacting (or not interacting) with each other. Then the ones that are potential bullies and the ones that are potentially on the spectrum or have other issues can get the support they need before bad situations arise. I truly believe that bullies have just as many or more issues than kids on the spectrum, and they need support as well, which may include taking them out of mainstream schooling for the protection of their peers.

I also believe that there are just as many girls on the spectrum as boys, and that those with autistic traits often go unidentified, so that the number of people on the spectrum is probably more like 5% than 1%. I can think of several people I have known in my life who are almost certainly on the spectrum but were never diagnosed, and famous historical figures are often retroactively diagnosed.

 

[tree]

Autism/Anorexia?
Issues that make telling the difference complicated>

"They may have highly selective eating requirements or be sensitive to textures, look, smell, or sound of foods. The aspect of sitting with others while eating can be difficult for those with autism and eating disorders. This can include oral struggles, such as chewing and swallowing, as well as gastrointestinal problems which can make eating a non-pleasurable experience."
What is the Connection Between Autism and Anorexia?

"...people with anorexia struggle to recognize the impact of their behavior on others. 'They can be very empathic and have a great desire to be accepted by other people, but they also seem a bit impervious to how their starvation affects others...' 'In that sense...people with anorexia seem a lot like those with autism.' "
https://spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/the-invisible-link-between-autism-and-anorexia/

 

[Ambi]

I think that article is overly simplistic, as to be expected for the source. Symptoms can manifest differently in females, it's not just that the girls and boys are doing the same exact thing, but the boys are being diagnosed while for the girls it's considered acceptable/normal. I think the "stereotype" that needs to be changed is what autism "looks like" - they shouldn't expect the same manifestation in girls as in boys.