Autism in girls: How do I know if my daughter is on the spectrum?
Our daughter is 7 and we've struggled with sensitive behaviors for most of her life.
She is incredibly sensitive to sensory input like the way clothing feels, loud noise, smells, or brushing her hair will all bring her to tears, teeth rushing literally has her gagging.
HATES being touched, even a pat on the hand is like an electric shock, unless she initiates it.
She cries very easily. She can't process change or if unexpected things happen, someone doesn't behave or take turns, she cries and can't handle it. Even at school she can't move on and will cry and can't stop.
She has difficulty expressing herself with verbal and written language, and describes things in a very black and white factual manner. Times or days rather than feelings and constantly struggles with writing at school. Even conversations, she can't understand what I'm saying unless I'm very specific.
However: she is incredibly empathetic, kind and loving, plays with her toy babies and puppies all day every day, has great imagination and connects well with friends.
Background: extensive medical history, she's been in and out of hospital a lot of her life and maybe has felt a lack of control? We've always advocated for her to have full understanding and consent to what is done. She's had play therapy to minimize medical anxiety.
We hoped she might outgrow these behaviors but now it's becoming a challenge socially. Is this how neurodiversity presents in girls? I know it can be very different to boys.
Would love to hear from anyone who has experience or similar stories ❤️
2 Replies
The only way to know is if YOU feel it's necessary, get her tested.
I've learned the unqualified public can't help. You'll go insane with all the well meaning, but incorrect advice. I remember some of the things people said to us about what was 'wrong' and offering up diagnoses (all incorrect) and it blows my mind now!
There's a non invasive test. Contact NDIS and see if they'll cover the cost (they weren't doing this when our son was diagnosed but they do it now, although unsure of criteria).
Find your local ASD Facebook group and ask for a pead or qualified psych (only some can diagnose) that specialises in female autism. Girls mask well. Our psych does girls mostly & told me she has diagnosed quite a few girls other professionals had said don't meet the criteria, simply because the girls hid the behaviour.
Also, there's other diagnoses, or possibly multiple diagnoses. Or it could be none, and she needs other help.
Yes it really can be how girls present. It can also be some other underlying condition, the only way to pick apart all of her bundle is to see a paed or psych. I would start with a psych who specialised in girls diagnosis and they will be able to help you with strategies and understanding along the way before deciding whether to go through formal diagnosis.