Challenges in Autistic women

 

Challenges in Autistic women

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Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder is known as neuro-developmental disorder which can occur due to imbalance neurons and difference in the brain. Autistic people lack in social and communication skills with repetitive behaviors. Females have same symptoms and causes so far, as other autism patients. Most of the females may not be aware till their adulthood. This developmental disorder is more common in boys than in girls. This is one of the reasons women’s diagnoses become tough.

It has been elaborated that males show visible behavioral problems and females internalized them which produce anxiety, depression, and other mood issues. Later, women use more externalized symptoms than in males and results are vice versa. Females with autism show lower cognitive ability and less adaptive behaviors.

Another concerning problem for autistic women is masking or camouflaging, females with ASD are skilled at camouflaging their autistic traits, which means they present themselves as neuro-typical to fit into society. They mimic behaviors, communicate nonverbally, and prepare small talk to appear normal in conversation. Their presentation leads to be less diagnosed as autistic woman or overlooked by others i.e normal changed behaviors.

Case study

Child mind institute explained in one study, under case of Melissa and her autistic children. Melissa's daughter Lisa's autism symptoms were more obvious than her son Justin's, but clinicians initially overlooked Lisa's challenges. It took until she was 6 years old for her to receive an autism diagnosis, while her brother was diagnosed earlier.

ASD cannot be diagnosed on sexes, as experts suggested more presence in males. Both genders have same roots, but may be females have more chances to be born with healthy genes. Male brains exposed to higher levels of male hormones in the womb may be more focused on understanding and categorizing objects, while empathizing and socializing are associated with the female brain. Research supports this theory, but more study is needed.

Challenges in life of women with Autism

Women with autism encounter unique and complex obstacles that can impact their overall well-being. From social and communication difficulties to limited employment opportunities, puberty complexities, sexual life, marriage, psychological disorders, and health care problems. This article explores these issues and provides strategies for overcoming them, including accommodations, and social improvement. It emphasizes the importance of supporting women with autism to ensure they receive the necessary care and opportunities.

A.      Women with autism face double standards from society or family members, a study by Scientific American illustrated, case of autistic girl. Grainne's mother, Maggie Halliday, noticed early on that her daughter was different. Grainne didn't enjoy being held or cuddled and had unique behaviors. Although Grainne's IQ tests show her abilities in the low normal range, they don't fully capture her strengths and challenges.  She had affected height by genes, but passionate for boy’s musical band and excelled on stage despite her shyness. However, Grainne had been judged by her change appearance.

B.      Autistic women face challenges in understanding social cues, leading to isolation and difficulty in communication and relationships. They may struggle with recognizing facial expressions, body language, and subtle forms of communication. This can make it hard to make friends or maintain relationships. Difficulties in regulating emotions can also affect their understanding of others' perspectives.  Women with autism may struggle with problem-solving, decision-making, recognizing boundaries, and managing day-to-day tasks. They may also face mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and OCD. These obstacles can impact academic and professional success, especially with executive functioning difficulties and a lack of support.

C.      Autistic women often struggle with communication, including expressing thoughts and feelings, participating in conversations, and understanding social cues. They may find it challenging to interpret body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, and may have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves. The feminine stereotype of being agreeable can make it hard for them to assert their opinions. Social interactions can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety and avoidance.

D.     Autistic individuals often struggle with the unpredictable changes of puberty, such as breast development, mood swings, and periods. Grainne's love for boy bands may be connected to her desire for a boyfriend, even if she doesn't fully grasp the concept. Research on puberty in autistic girls has primarily focused on managing menstruation. Autistic individuals report increased difficulties during menarche, which adds strain to their lives. Parents of autistic girls’ express concern about menstruation but are often surprised by how well their daughters manage it.

E.      Sexual abuse is one of the common reasons in autistic women’s challenges. Research indicates that females with ASD have a higher risk of experiencing sexual abuse. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of women with autistic traits have reported being sexually abused. This vulnerability may be attributed to difficulties in sensing danger and feeling obligated to fit in. Camouflaging their autism to avoid social rejection can further increase the risk of exploitation. Autistic women can be more susceptible to sexual exploitation due to their directness and literal thinking. Many of them, feeling socially isolated, settle for less in relationships due to a belief that they are difficult to love.

F.       Research shows that females on the autism spectrum are at a higher risk for developing depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. They may also experience difficulties with sexual functioning, relationships, and identity. Additionally, there is a link between females with ASD and eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. It's important to raise awareness and provide support for these mental health concerns among autistic females.

G.     Women with autism often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare due to a lack of understanding and misdiagnosis from medical professionals. Research on the unique needs of female autism patients is underfunded, leading to gaps in treatments and inadequate diagnosis and care. Healthcare professionals may lack awareness and knowledge about the specific needs of female patients with autism, including behavioral issues and other co-occurring disabilities. Women with autism may receive more medical interventions than men, indicating gender bias in healthcare. They face challenges accessing quality care due to a lack of understanding, misdiagnosis, and limited treatment options.

H.     Women on the autism spectrum face unique challenges in the workplace. They are often overlooked due to a lack of recognition of their autistic traits, hindering their career opportunities. Awareness is crucial for employers to appreciate their strengths and value. Autistic women can face challenges in understanding social cues and building relationships in the workplace. This can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulties in communication and interviews. It's important to provide support and understanding to help them navigate these obstacles.

Relationship and child raising challenges

Autistic women often express a desire for direct communication in relationships. Social nuances and sarcasm can be challenging for them, while their directness may make neuro-typical partners uncomfortable. It's compulsory to foster understanding and find a balance in communication to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

It's unfortunate that the direct communication style of autistic women can make them vulnerable to manipulation and abuse in relationships. There is higher need to raise awareness and provide education on healthy relationships and boundaries to help protect them from such situations.

Autistic women often find themselves taking on the role of a caregiver in relationships, which can be overwhelming for them. They may prioritize their partner's needs over their own and become fixated on helping them. However, this can lead to them being taken advantage of by partners who exploit their caregiving tendencies. Their need for alone time to focus on their special interests or recharge can create challenges in romantic relationships. It's important to find a balance and ensure that both partners' needs are respected and addressed.

It's understandable that for some autistic women, having a supportive partner can provide a sense of security and help with everyday tasks that may be overwhelming. Engaging in social interactions and dealing with errands can be challenging, and having a partner who understands and supports them can be beneficial. However, couples can create balance to maintain the relationship and ensure that both partners' needs are met. It's also demanding for autistic women to have a support system outside of their relationship to navigate the social world and manage overwhelm.

Autistic women often form strong attachments to their partners, relying on them for support and managing overwhelm. Autistic women should find a balance and ensure both partners are comfortable with the level of attention in the relationship.

Simon Baron-Cohen, a renowned autism researcher, has proposed the "extreme male brain" theory. This theory suggests that autism is linked to higher levels of male hormones during fetal development. It suggests that autistic minds may excel in systemizing but struggle with empathizing. These theories are based on population-level observations and do not apply to all individuals. Autistic minds may excel in areas associated with male strengths and face challenges in areas associated with female strengths. Individual abilities vary.

The challenges of being an autistic mother include social demands, sensory sensitivity, and analyzing social interactions. It can be stressful and exhausting, but it's important to find ways to create positive outcomes and manage sensory experiences. Autistic mothers face challenges in managing their own emotions while attending to their child's needs.

They may struggle with finding time for self-care and coping with interruptions and household responsibilities. Communicating with professionals and feeling misunderstood can lead to feelings of isolation and unfair evaluation. Autistic mothers need to seek compassion and support from reliable sources.

In 2021, three studies were published that explored the experiences of autistic mothers. These studies confirmed that autistic mothers often feel isolated, judged, and struggle to ask for support. They also face challenges in multitasking and managing domestic responsibilities. The studies found that autistic mothers were more likely to report not coping compared to non-autistic mothers. A high rate of post-natal depression was reported among autistic mothers. However, despite these challenges, the majority of autistic mothers found motherhood to be rewarding.

Accommodations and treatments for women with autism

 Improving social skills can be difficult for women with autism, especially if diagnosed in adulthood. Recognizing social cues, practicing in a supportive environment, and engaging in social activities can help. Such as understanding verbal and non-verbal languages of people and facial expressions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can provide additional support. It's challenging but possible to learn these skills.

To accommodate women with autism, it's crucial to focus on communication. Creating a comfortable and non-threatening environment, using visual supports, and minimizing noise and distractions can help them better understand expectations and manage sensory overload. Providing verbal and physical support is important for women with autism. Verbal prompts and a physical presence, like listening and eye contact, can help them feel more comfortable communicating. Non-verbal communication methods, such as gestures and visual supports, can also be helpful. Creating a safe space for them to express themselves is crucial.

Creating employment opportunities for women with autism is crucial for their self-sufficiency, empowerment, and social inclusion. It's important for employers to understand the unique challenges they may face and provide the necessary support and accommodations. Hiring individuals with autism can bring diversity, inclusivity, and innovation to companies.

One approach to interventions is called the ABC analysis. By identifying the triggers, actions, and outcomes, clinicians can address repetitive behaviors while still meeting the client's needs. The goal is to help the client identify a replacement behavior that fulfills their needs while also allowing for effective communication and task performance.

A case study by, Johnson shared a story about a girl with limited verbal skills who had a strong interest in objects with long, slender shapes. She would collect and hold these objects, which hindered her ability to communicate through sign language. To address this, they found a solution by using a bag for her to keep the objects with her. This replacement behavior allowed her to maintain her interest while also facilitating communication with others.

Psychologists play a vital role in working with individuals with autism, both children and adults. They help address issues like social anxiety, depression, and perseverative behavior. They also assist in managing self-stimulation, understanding social cues, and navigating relationships at school and work. Behavioral psychologists, in particular, are in high demand within the autism community, as they evaluate behaviors, develop behavioral programs, and support families in managing challenging behaviors.