Conor McDonagh, the owner and director of Caerus Therapies and an occupational therapist specializing in autism, has outlined the top five common signs of autism in women and girls. His company provides autism health assessments and support, with regular informative content shared on his TikTok account covering various topics such as sensory processing challenges and aiding autistic individuals.
McDonagh emphasized that identifying autism in women and girls can be challenging due to the subtlety of the signs, often masked by their ability to ‘camouflage’ symptoms effectively. He highlighted that up to 80% of females with autism remain undiagnosed, shedding light on the reasons behind this issue in his video series.
One key indicator he mentioned is the difficulty women and girls face in adapting to changes in routine, leading to anxiety and internalized stress when confronted with disruptions. Additionally, poor fine and gross motor skills, limited diets stemming from sensory sensitivities, social awkwardness, and attention issues were identified as prevalent signs of autism in this demographic.
McDonagh stressed the importance of recognizing these indicators early on, as historically, many girls with autism have been misdiagnosed with mental health conditions, potentially overlooking their underlying autism. This oversight can result in inadequate support, contributing to challenges such as loneliness, depression, and reduced opportunities for affected individuals.
The National Autistic Society highlighted the gap in autism diagnosis among females, attributing it to various theories that have yet to be definitively proven. It is crucial to stay informed about evolving research and understanding of autism to ensure accurate recognition and support for individuals on the spectrum.