THE IMPACT OF THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE FEMALE AUTISTIC PROFILE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF...
Channel: SOUTHERN BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
Date: 14/03/2022

In this work, the literature reviewed points out significant differences between the presentation of autism spectrum disorder in men and women, including variations in the behavior pattern, given the distinct process of socialization of the genders. However, these gender differences in the autistic phenotype were poorly studied, analyzed, and disseminated, making the female profile of autism not as well known as the male profile. Furthermore, the little attention given to the presentation of autism in girls led to the creation of diagnostic tools that were less efficient in recognizing them, causing difficulties related to late, missed, or incorrect diagnoses. These types of occurrences make it difficult for autistic women to access the support they need, in addition to being able to trigger or worsen identity crises related to their autistic traits and their self-perception in society. This abstract aims to highlight the importance of understanding the gender differences present in autism spectrum disorder and how their non-recognition can negatively affect the mental health of undiagnosed autistic women.