Identifying the signs of autism can be difficult for a therapist who hasn’t fully understood or isn’t experienced in the subtle traits of autism and its various expressions. This can be the case for women mostly. Over the years researchers have found that women are usually known to mask their signs hence they are often overlooked in autism diagnoses. Sadly, they may not get early intervention until they intentionally seek help from an expert specialized in identifying autism in women. Perhaps you have women around you like your child, sibling, wife, or friend who exhibit characteristics that you are unable to recognize, this article will highlight warning signs and provide treatment options for high-functioning autism.
What Is High-Functioning Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, leading to differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. It is often stereotyped as a condition primarily affecting boys, but growing awareness and research have highlighted that autism manifests differently in girls and women. Over the years autism has historically been associated with boys, however, recent research indicates there is growing awareness of its prevalence in girls and women, particularly those with high-functioning autism.
Now that brings us to the answer to our question.
High-functioning autism in women, also known as autism without intellectual disabilities or Asperger’s syndrome, is characterized by its unique challenges due to its subtle and nuanced nature. As opposed to those with other forms of autism who might have intellectual difficulties, people with high-functioning autism frequently possess average or above-average intellectual skills. I have noticed in my years as a therapist as well that it can be challenging for people with high-functioning autism to build and sustain relationships, read nonverbal clues, and grasp social cues. They also tend to exhibit a strong sense of routine, repeating actions, or particular hobbies.
Characteristics of High-functioning Autism
Knowing the characteristics of high-functioning autism is essential because even though the presentations vary from person to person, there are still common characteristics that are associated with this condition and have been observed to be shared amongst them. The following are the common characteristics that are mostly noticeable.
Strong Intellectual Abilities:
Most persons who have come to me for therapy are people I think to be intellectually sound based on their intelligent responses to questions and the way they communicate. Also, research indicates that people with high-functioning autism frequently possess IQs that range from average to above average. They will usually perform exceptionally well in specific academic or intellectual fields, like physics, music, or math.
Language Skills:
Unlike some individuals with autism who have significant language delays, those with high-functioning autism typically develop language skills within the typical range. However, they might still struggle with pragmatic language (social use of language) and understanding non-literal language, such as sarcasm or idioms.
Social Challenges:
One of the characteristics of high-functioning autism is social difficulties. Autistic people could find it difficult to develop and maintain relationships, communicate socially, read body language and facial expressions, and comprehend social cues.
Sensory Sensitivities:
People dealing with autism always have challenges with sensory sensitivity. Many people with high-functioning autism experience sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells. Their sensory nerves are very sensitive as a result, these sensitivities can overwhelm them and may lead to anxiety or avoidance behaviors. This is why if you notice your child or friend always wanting to be alone or always very anxious, it’s a sign you should look deep into.
Masking and Camouflaging:
As a way to mask their difficulties, some individuals with high-functioning autism develop coping strategies in social situations, known as camouflaging. This can involve mimicking neurotypical behaviors to fit in but may lead to exhaustion and stress over time.
You need to know that understanding these characteristics can help individuals, families, educators, and healthcare providers support and accommodate the unique needs of people with high-functioning autism. Also with these characteristics, you can be able to identify if it is autism or not. Personally, when it gets all disguising and concealing, I employ these characteristics in identifying what it really is.
That being said, let’s also see some of the challenges women with high-functioning autism have to deal with.
Challenges of Women With High-Function Autism
Women with high-functioning autism go through various challenges unique to different individuals, that often lead to difficulties in various aspects of their life. Addressing these challenges arent always easy as it requires a comprehensive strategy that includes early intervention, specialized therapies, social skills training, sensory accommodations, mental health support, and creating inclusive and supportive environments. Empowering women with high-functioning autism to embrace their strengths, advocate for their needs, and connect with peer support networks can also contribute to improved outcomes and quality of life. Here are some of the key challenges faced by women with high-functioning autism:
Social Interaction:
Women with high-functioning autism struggle with social interactions, which include understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, interpreting body language and facial expressions, and engaging in reciprocal conversations. This can lead to difficulties in making and keeping friendships, navigating social situations, and developing romantic relationships.
Masking and Camouflaging:
Many women with high-functioning autism develop coping mechanisms to camouflage their difficulties in social situations. They mimic neurotypical behaviors, such as smiling or making small talk, to fit in and avoid standing out. While masking can help in certain situations, it can also be exhausting and lead to feelings of isolation and inauthenticity.
Sensory Sensitivities:
Sensory sensitivities are common in high-functioning autism and can be particularly challenging for women. They tend to experience heightened sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, strong smells, or crowded environments. These sensitivities can lead to sensory overload, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors.
Emotional Regulation:
Managing emotions can be difficult for women with high-functioning autism. They have trouble expressing their feelings, identifying emotions in themselves and others, and regulating emotional responses. This can result in heightened anxiety, depression, mood swings, and meltdowns.
Misdiagnosis or Late Diagnosis:
High-functioning autism in women is sometimes misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, leading to delayed access to interventions and support services. This can prolong the challenges and difficulties experienced by women with this condition.
Lack of Understanding and Support:
Due to the stereotype of autism as a predominantly male condition, women with high-functioning autism face a lack of understanding and support from peers, educators, healthcare providers, and society at large. Hence, increased awareness and education about autism in women are needed to improve recognition, acceptance, and support for individuals with high-functioning autism.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Women
The following are signs of high-functioning autism in women you should look out for just in case you start to notice anything strange in your child, friend, or wife; as the case may be.
Social Interaction:
Women with high-functioning autism may struggle with social cues, maintaining eye contact, and understanding non-verbal communication such as body language and facial expressions. They may also find it difficult to initiate or sustain conversations, leading to social isolation.
Special Interests:
Like their male counterparts, women with high-functioning autism often have intense interests in specific topics or hobbies. These interests may be highly focused, leading to deep knowledge and expertise in niche areas.
Sensory Sensitivities:
Many women with high-functioning autism experience sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. These sensitivities can cause discomfort or distress in everyday environments.
Routines and Repetitive Behaviors:
Maintaining rigid routines and engaging in repetitive behaviors are common traits in individuals with high-functioning autism. Women may display these behaviors as a way to cope with change or uncertainty.
Difficulty with Transitions:
Transitioning from one task or environment to another can be challenging for women with high-functioning autism. They will require support and structure to navigate transitions successfully.
Challenges in Diagnosis
Diagnosing high-functioning autism in women can be complex due to several factors:
Masking Behaviors:
Women often develop coping mechanisms to mask their autism traits, mimicking neurotypical behavior in social settings. This masking can delay or obscure diagnosis.
Camouflaging:
Camouflaging refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to hide autistic traits by imitating social behaviors of peers. Women may camouflage their autism to fit societal expectations, making it harder to recognize their needs.
Gender Bias:
Historically, autism has been studied and diagnosed primarily in males, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis in females. Clinicians may overlook autism in women, attributing their difficulties to other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Effective Treatment Approaches
Early Intervention:
Early identification and intervention are paramount for improving outcomes in women with high-functioning autism. When there is a comprehensive assessment by multidisciplinary teams, it leads to accurate diagnosis and tailored interventions.
Social Skills Training:
Organizing programs like social skills training programs can help women with high-functioning autism learn how to develop better communication skills communication strategies, social cues interpretation, and conflict resolution techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps individuals manage anxiety, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation. It can be particularly beneficial for women with high-functioning autism who experience heightened anxiety in social situations.
Sensory Integration Therapy:
Addressing sensory sensitivities through sensory integration therapy can improve comfort and reduce sensory-related distress in daily life.
Supportive Environments:
Creating supportive and inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities is crucial for women with high-functioning autism. Accommodations such as clear communication, structured routines, and sensory-friendly spaces promote success and well-being.
Conclusion
High-functioning autism in women shows unique challenges due to differences in expression, diagnostic complexities, and societal expectations. Recognizing the signs, overcoming gender biases in diagnosis, and implementing effective treatments are essential steps in supporting women with high-functioning autism. We can empower women on the autism spectrum to thrive and reach their full potential by fostering understanding and providing tailored support.
