Traditionally, four times as many men as women have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. But in recent assessments by the Centers for Disease Control, the differences in diagnosis between men and women have begun to shrink–due to better diagnostic practices and an increased understanding that symptoms and effects of autism may present very differently for girls than for boys.
The challenges of women and girls on the spectrum are unique. Exploring those differences was the subject of a presentation by Dr. Rose Nevill, Director of UVA Autism Research Core at the Curry School of Education, and Dr. Erica Rouch, Postdoctoral Psychology Fellow at UVA. Over 40 people attended at the Brooks Family YMCA.
The slideshow for the presentation is linked below:
According to VIA Family Resource Navigator Hilary Nagel, who helped organize the event: “The highlight of the event was having a room full of participants passionate about supporting and learning more about girls and women with ASD. It is wonderful to know one is not alone as we gather together as a community to learn more. The tremendous attendance showed that there is a lot of interest and desire to have more times for gathering together.”
For those interested in learning more, Drs. Nevill and Rouch shared a list of resources and websites on women and autism.