Conor McDonagh, the founder and director of Caerus Therapies and a specialized occupational therapist, has revealed the top five common signs of autism in women and girls. His company provides autism health assessments and support, and he frequently shares advice on his TikTok profile, covering topics like sensory processing challenges and aiding autistic children.
McDonagh highlighted the prevalent indicators he has noticed in women and girls with autism. He pointed out that research indicates that identifying signs of autism in females can be more subtle and challenging due to their adeptness at masking or concealing symptoms.
Speaking to Surrey Live, he shared, “Here are five frequent signs of autism in women and girls based on my experience as an autism assessor. It’s essential to note that up to 80% of females with autism remain undiagnosed, a topic I will address in future videos.”
He described the first sign as difficulty coping with a lack of structure, where changes in routines at work or school can trigger anxiety and agitation, often unnoticed by others but internalized by women and girls.
Additionally, he mentioned that some may struggle with poor fine and gross motor skills, affecting tasks like handwriting or engaging in physical activities such as catching a ball or swimming.
Moreover, individuals may exhibit a limited diet due to sensory processing challenges, being sensitive to tastes and textures, and facing difficulties in manipulating food in their mouths.
Socially, women and girls with autism might find it challenging to navigate social situations, leading to superficial relationships and lacking the skills to form deeper connections.
Lastly, attention and focus issues may manifest as distractibility, difficulty following conversations, and struggling to concentrate on tasks for extended periods.
The NHS has highlighted that historically, many girls with autism have remained undiagnosed, often due to mental health concerns taking precedence, potentially masking the underlying autism and resulting in inadequate support and various negative outcomes.
The National Autistic Society points out that despite several proposed theories to explain the diagnosis gap, none have been definitively proven, emphasizing the evolving nature of autism research and knowledge.