Aspergers in Girls
Question
Can you tell me more about Aspergers in girls and how they present and differ from boys?
Answer
Asperger’s in girls is a significantly different from that in boys. For a long time, girls were not as likely to receive the diagnosis of Autism or Asperger‘s Syndrome. Far more boys still receive the Autism diagnosis, leaving girls without as much support at school, and without as much help to cope with life. Here are a few of the distinct differences of symptoms and characteristics between boys and girls with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Asperger’s in Boys
- Single obsessive interests are more often observed in boys.
- Aggressive behavior and meltdowns due to frustration are very common in boys.
- Boys tease other boys with weaknesses rather than show support.
- Boys with Asperger’s are less likely to show emotion.
- Boys show less desire for friendships. The desire may be there under the surface, but it usually matches closely with ability.
- Boys are more likely to have major sensory and motor skills deficiencies.
- Overall, boys are more severely affected by Asperger’s than girls are.
Asperger’s in Girls
- Girls tend to have a wider variety of obsessive interests.
- Girls are more passive and less likely to show aggressive behaviors and meltdowns.
- Girls are more likely to support other girls despite their obvious weaknesses.
- Girls are more likely to imitate others’ emotions and social skills than boys are.
- Girls show more desire for friendships and social interactions.
- Girls are usually less affected by gross motor skills & sensory systems deficiencies.
- Overall, girls usually have milder symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome.
Of course, not all cases of Asperger’s in girls will follow these guidelines. Children with Asperger’s are individuals with their own specific strengths and weaknesses. There are girls with Asperger’s who are severely socially unable, who have tremendous sensory integration problems and very weak gross motor skills. However, the majority of girls with Asperger’s do present on the milder side of the spectrum.
Thanks,
Dave Angel
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This is helpful, and fair because you have given a balanced view.
Comment by Rhonda Speer — September 21, 2011 @ 7:15 am
I see the disclaimer at the bottom of the column, and I do have a niece that I strongly suspect has Asperger’s, and fits the description. She is in college and manages to maintain a relationship with a young man. At family functions, she seldom initiates conversation, and when one is initiated with her, she does not reciprocate. She’s a very sweet girl, and seems to be on her way. However, my own daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger’s, and she fits more the description of the boys. She has full meltdowns, can be very aggressive, especially with smaller children. Unfortunately, she is often perceived as a bully. (I think it has more to do with the shrill noises and antics that come in the form of the younger ones that bother her.) She is in 6th grade, and manages pretty well. I do see progress, although slow, and expect she will eventually be able to navigate through life with continued help and support from those who love her. To add to my experience and knowledge, my husband was diagnosed with Asperger’s the same time my daughter was – roughly three years ago. He owns and operates a successful business, manages employees, and deals with the public everyday. He does concede that it is a challenge, but reported life became much easier once he finally understood his diagnosis and learned he is not alone in the way he feels and perceives things. We have been married 21 years come January! Anyway, I just wanted to chime in here, and say I believe I have witnessed both ends of the Asperger’s-in-Girls spectrum, and have witnessed success in a gentleman with Asperger’s who survived childhood with all the torments and misunderstandings these folks endure when undiagnosed.
Comment by Pamela Griffitt — September 21, 2011 @ 8:38 am
Regular classroom teachers need to be educated more on AS in order to help our Children succeed.
Comment by Elinor — September 21, 2011 @ 10:41 am
My daughter has Asperger’s and the article about differences between boys and girls was exactly what I see in my daughter. We had to fight with doctors to get her test then with school. Doctors now agree with the Asperger diagnosis however the school still refuses to classify her even though through their testing she tested yes for Asperger’s.
Comment by Shannon Lawson — September 21, 2011 @ 11:13 am
ah yes, there are BOATLOADS of us casting about on the sea of non-neurotypicality, some unaware, many simply undiagnosed. Why? because we are so freaking adaptable! It took years of searching, asking, pleading…then finally independent research and a perceptive teacher lead us to the circus of evaluations and testing. When all was said and done: ta da! Autism (not Asperger’s), a high IQ, and an incredible, almost savant-like ability to adapt. But the poor kid had no idea what he was imitating, or saying, or hearing or reading. Many months later, an amazing diagnosis began to unfold:most of our family was somewhere on the spectrum. All with significantly above average IQs (and underachievers the lot of us!), and a superb talent for adaptability. And oh yeah: the “worst” of us are 1 each male and female. Sooo – keeping an open mind and watching for adaptability without commensurate comprehension are good operating guidelines. Thanks for listening
Comment by DONNA S. SMITH — September 21, 2011 @ 8:42 pm