Grimes Joins the Autism Conversation: Why Girls Are Often Undiagnosed
Let’s dive into the quagmire of autism diagnosis, shall we? Grimes, the Canadian pop icon, recently revealed her late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, bringing to light a pressing issue: girls are often overlooked when it comes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s a head-scratcher, really, when you consider that the CDC estimates about one in 36 children in the U.S. has autism, yet traditional narratives insist that it’s predominantly a boys’ club. Experts argue that nearly 80% of autistic girls remain undiagnosed by the time they hit adulthood, which is nothing short of scandalous.
Why the discrepancy? The crux of the matter lies in the historical emphasis on male presentations of autism, which tend to be more overt. Dr. Sanjeev Kothare from Cohen Children’s Medical Center explains that while boys often exhibit pronounced communication issues and repetitive behaviors, girls might present with more subtle signs like anxiety and depression. Imagine being a girl on the spectrum who dazzles with advanced language skills, only to have those very skills mask the underlying struggles. It’s akin to wearing a designer outfit while being utterly lost in a foreign city—looks great, but where’s the map?
Moreover, girls frequently become masters of disguise, adeptly masking their symptoms to fit societal norms. This “masking” can lead to misunderstandings, where struggles are dismissed as mere shyness or anxiety rather than signs of autism. And let’s not forget about the timeline—research suggests that girls are diagnosed about 18 months later than boys. The consequences? A late diagnosis can lead to a lifetime of feeling out of place, grappling with self-esteem issues, and battling anxiety and depression.
Experts warn that many women with autism retreat into themselves, struggling to forge connections and often shunning social interactions due to sensory sensitivities. When it comes to stimming, a common trait among those on the spectrum, girls may engage in more socially acceptable behaviors, like hair twirling, making it easy to fly under the radar. These nuances are crucial in understanding the spectrum’s full breadth and providing the necessary support for those who need it.
So, as we clap for Grimes and her newfound clarity, let’s also challenge the status quo and demand better awareness and understanding of autism in girls. After all, knowledge is power, darling. Let’s ensure it doesn’t go to waste.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and UCLA Health, CDC, Child Mind Institute, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
