Daily Mail has just released its Key to unmasking autism using girls.
Some Girls continue to show no symptoms despite having the genetic mutations
Research is underway to identify the factor which may explain why girls who are at genetic risk remain unaffected (or do they)
Although it is still 4 times more common in boys than girls, scientists are finding some surprises like I mentioned previously in my last post girls mimic social skills of their NT peers. Yet some still show no symptoms when they have the same genetic mutations seen in boys with the condition. The Daily Mail spoke to Kevin Pelphrey an autism research at the George Washington University made a statement saying Autism may not be the same thing in boys and girls. It may be that genetics play a role.
Gender is the hot topic in Autism research at the minute and a breakthrough could lead to new ways of diagnosing autism and treating the condition ( not that it needs treatment )
Brain Imaging may also explain why girls have more subtle symptoms than boys, even in girls who present with autism the areas of their brain which involve social behaviour are less severely impaired.
But going back to genetics, girls need twice as many mutations to actually manifest with autism.
Autism Sisters Project
Professor Buxbaum is involved in the Autism Sisters Project
The Project began in 2015 with the goal of building a database that scientists can use to look for genetic clues and other factors.
Girls with autism especially those on the milder side of autism like me often don’t show the obvious problems, they are more likely to be than boys on the spectrum to pretend play rather than lining their toys up by size or shape. Girls are more likely to be more empathetic and show concern for others feelings.
Assistant Professor Loftin suspects that many cases are misdiagnosed this means there may be a delay in intensive behaviour therapy
Some Girls as I mentioned previously manage to camouflage their symptoms until pressures at school and in their social lives cause them to be overwhelmed and these can delay the diagnostic process until the age of 8 or 9. Unfortunately for myself I was 14 when I was diagnosed.
Helens Blog 