If you are passionate about neurodiversity and inclusive technology, you will appreciate the National Geographic article that throws light on how our understanding of autism is evolving, particularly regarding gender differences.

Recent studies show autism diagnoses have increased by 175% in the last decade, with the biggest rise among women, girls, and young adults aged 24-36. This new research is changing how we understand autism, especially its presentation in females.

According to the research, girls and women often receive their autism diagnoses later in life and require more assessments than boys. While they may handle basic social interactions like short conversations, they can struggle with complex social situations like maintaining friendships. Their special interests might focus on things like ponies or fashion, rather than the trains and computers traditionally associated with autism.

The traditional view that autism affects boys more than girls (4:1 ratio) is being questioned. Researchers believe this ratio may be inaccurate since autism was historically studied primarily in boys, leading to missed diagnoses in girls. The article shares the story of Serenity Kiser, who wasn’t diagnosed until age 48, despite showing clear signs of autism in childhood.

New research suggests autism isn’t about an inability to communicate, but rather a different way of experiencing and communicating. Autistic people process sensory information differently, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed by too much input. However, this different way of processing also allows them to experience parts of the world with remarkable depth and clarity.

Understanding these differences is crucial for better diagnosis and support. Instead of viewing behaviors like stimming (repetitive movements) as problems to fix, researchers now recognize them as important self-regulation tools. This shifting perspective helps us better understand and support autistic individuals of all genders.

Hit the source link for more details on this topic.

Source: National Geographic, Apple News+ (subscription required for both)

Claude, a potential tool for increased accessibility, was used as a research and writing aid for this blog post. Do you think this is an appropriate use of chatGPT? Why or why not? Let me know!