Autism

Autism is a developmental condition that originates in childhood and is likely to continue into adulthood. It begins before the age of three and occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. It is more common, however, in males. 

Little is known about the cause of autism, but some environmental, biological and genetic factors have been identified that may make a child more likely to develop autism. 

Autism is characterised by a number of behaviours and differences. People with autism may behave, communicate/interact with others and learn in ways that are different to most people. They have difficulties in the areas of language/communication, social awareness, monotropic mindset, information processing, sensory processing, repetitive behaviours and neuro-motor differences. 

Autism can affect people’s daily life in different ways - it really depends on the individual and what they have difficulties with. One person could be non-verbal and another person could have an intellectual disability. Some people with autism will never be able to live independently while others can live an independent lifestyle. 

Common Traits or Symptoms of Autism

Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning that each and every autistic person has a different experience.

However, some of the more common signs of autism include:

  • Avoids or does not keep eye contact

  • Difficulty engaging with and maintaining friendships/relationships

  • Difficulty communicating in social contexts

  • Differences with pragmatics (appropriate use of language)

  • Prosody (rhythm) of speech

  • Difficulty assimilating or adapting to changing environments

  • Can become upset by changes in routine

  • Has obsessive interests

  • Hand flapping/body rocking or spinning

  • Sensitive to certain smells, touch, tastes or sounds

What is Masking?

Masking involves an individual suppressing or hiding characteristics associated with a particular disorder, such as autism. It also can involve mimicking or mirroring behaviour of neurotypical individuals to fit or blend in. Masking is extremely common in females with autism.

Masking can help individuals to have a sense of belonging, and to make friends. However, masking can also lead to:

  • Autistic burnout – masking can be highly draining

  • Mental health challenges

  • Delayed diagnosis

How Autism Presents in Females

  • Masking or camouflaging autistic traits and challenges that accompany them.

  • Avoiding or not seeking social interactions.

  • An ability to mask or keep their emotions under control at school, work, and in the community, but becoming distressed once they return to their home or safe space.

  • Becoming intense or ‘too much’ in friendships, which can result in difficulties maintaining friendships.

  • Parallel play with peers or play that is highly controlled and rigid.

  • Interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus, or interests that are not age appropriate.

  • Mimicking other’s behaviours in social settings, such as facial expressions, eye contact, conversation skills or gestures.

  • Preparing conversations, phrases, or jokes in advance to use in social interactions.

Why are Females Frequently Less Diagnosed with Autism?

Research suggests that there are a few reasons why females are less likely to be diagnosed with autism. These include:

  • Autism in males has been researched more, which has resulted in a bias towards males in the diagnostic process.

  • Females are more likely to mask or camouflage their autistic traits, which means it is less likely to be detected by health professionals.

  • Females are often diagnosed later in life than males.

  • Autistic traits displayed by males are more likely to be picked up on by family, school, and other health professionals, due to the community’s knowledge about “what autism looks like”.

If you are seeking an autism diagnosis for a female, Psychwest offer autism assessments. Learn more here.

How We Help

In order for someone to be considered autistic, they must have difficulty in multiple categories spanning the spectrum. There is no medical or blood test that can be administered to make a diagnosis. 

Clinicians (GP’s, Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Paediatricians) look at the person’s full developmental history and behaviour to make a diagnosis. It often involves more than one specialist, some standardised assessments, behavioural observations and comprehensive interviews. 

Psychwest can provide both autism assessments for adults and autism assessments for children, to diagnose autism in all ages.

Please note: Psychwest aims to embrace neurodiversity and use a strengths-based approach when assessing autism.

Looking for Autism Support in Perth?

Psychwest has psychologists available who are experienced in providing autism assessment and autism support in Perth. 

To find out more about receiving assistance for autism, we welcome you to get in touch with our team today to find the best psychologist for you, discuss fees and rebates, and book a session.