Autism & ADHD in Women
What is Autism/ASD?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), known also as “autism.” ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life in childhood. But some people, specifically people assigned female at birth (AFAB), may go undiagnosed until adulthood.
Why does ASD look like in women?
There is still not a strong understanding of autism in women versus men. A lot of that has to do with the history of autism research having mainly male participants and thus a male baseline. But here is what we do know of what ASD looks like in women:
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:
Why does ADHD look like in women?
Both ADHD and ASD are neurodevelopmental disorders, which means they both start early in childhood and affect how one’s brain grows and functions. Both disorders are also highly genetic.
In women, ASD and ADHD can often go undiagnosed. It is common for women to also find out after a significant life event, such as a having a child, they have ADHD.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), known also as “autism.” ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life in childhood. But some people, specifically people assigned female at birth (AFAB), may go undiagnosed until adulthood.
Why does ASD look like in women?
There is still not a strong understanding of autism in women versus men. A lot of that has to do with the history of autism research having mainly male participants and thus a male baseline. But here is what we do know of what ASD looks like in women:
- Difficulty socializing
- Internal symptoms/response, like shyness versus males may exhibit more external physical symptoms like fidgeting or aggression.
- Restricted interest, showing interest in one thing.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:
- Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized
- Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively
- Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn
Why does ADHD look like in women?
- Disorganization
- Distraction
- Fidgeting
- Forgetfulness
- Losing things
- Mental health issues, including depression or anxiety
Both ADHD and ASD are neurodevelopmental disorders, which means they both start early in childhood and affect how one’s brain grows and functions. Both disorders are also highly genetic.
In women, ASD and ADHD can often go undiagnosed. It is common for women to also find out after a significant life event, such as a having a child, they have ADHD.