Girls and Autism: Unmasking the Invisible Struggles
If we're missing women and girls with autism because we're not good at recognising them, then studying those we do spot isn't going to tell us very much about the ones we miss.
When you think of autism, does the image of a boy come to mind? It’s a common misconception, and one that this episode of 'All In The Mind' aims to shatter. Hosted by Lynne Malcolm, this episode dives into the often overlooked world of girls with autism. Unlike their male counterparts, girls with autism frequently display different symptoms, making their condition harder to diagnose.
This episode features Francesca Happ, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at King's College London, who shares her expertise on the subject. She explains how societal pressures for girls to be polite and socially adaptable often lead to their symptoms being masked or misdiagnosed. The discussion also touches on the critical need for early diagnosis and the unique challenges faced by women with autism.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about autism, this episode offers eye-opening insights that challenge conventional beliefs. Tune in to uncover the hidden truths about girls and autism.