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Women and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis and Implications for Treatment of Adolescents and Adults

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Treatment, Services, Outcomes, and Community Functioning in Adolescents and Adults (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We review the recent literature regarding the implications of gender on the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in women and adolescent females. We also discuss important clinical observations in treating this population.

Recent Findings

Growing research supports gender specificity in ASD symptom presentation. Differing phenotypes, psychiatric co-morbidities, and level of “camouflaging” (behavioral coping strategies to conceal symptoms for use in social situations) are thought to further contribute to the discrepancy in prevalence rates and resulting misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in adolescent females and women.

Summary

Both nosological and cultural factors appear to be contributing to differences in the diagnosis of ASD in women. These differences in presentation have important implications for late diagnosis, treatment of ASD, and the quality of life for women with autism.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA

    Renée M. Green, Alyssa M. Travers, Yamini Howe & Christopher J. McDougle

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Renée M. Green, Alyssa M. Travers, Yamini Howe & Christopher J. McDougle

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  1. Renée M. Green
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Autism Spectrum Disorders: Treatment, Services, Outcomes, and Community Functioning in Adolescents and Adults

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Green, R.M., Travers, A.M., Howe, Y. et al. Women and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis and Implications for Treatment of Adolescents and Adults. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 22 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1006-3

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