What does a girl with autism look like? Often, especially at the higher-functioning end of the spectrum, not at all like her male counterparts.

Male gender bias plays a role in these girls going undetected and undiagnosed — as do the girls themselves. That is because girls with autism can be skilled at observation, mimicry, and avoidance, allowing them to blend in, for a time, with their neurotypical peers.

When communicating, girls with autism may:

• Have an exceptional vocabulary
• Mimic instead of responding naturally
• Converse in predictable “scripted” ways
• Struggle with non-verbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice
• Use odd inflection
• Have difficulty dealing with unexpected or “off-script” verbal responses

When socializing, girls with autism may:

• Appear very shy, or avoid interacting with others
• Seem uncomfortable during conversations
• Struggle with eye contact
• Have only one or two close friends at school
• Flutter between groups of people
• Play with boys
• Spend playtime walking or playing alone in library
• Look for opportunities to help rather than play
• Show empathy and compassion, but may be confused by non-verbal social cues
• Have difficulty fitting in with peers, ex, clothing and hairstyles

With regards to behavior, girls with autism may:

• Less likely to act out physically or aggressively, less disruptive
• Cry excessively when separated from parents
• Appear anxious when there are changes in routine
• Practice rituals with no apparent function
• Focus intensely on a particular subject, such as animals or classical literature
• Play with dolls or toys beyond the typical age for these items
• Appear to have attractions or aversions to sensory stimuli such as textures, foods, sounds or visual patterns.
• May engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.

Do you live in Hong Kong, and does your daughter seem to display many of these characteristics? If you are concerned, please contact us.