Girls with autism traits have fewer problems with social communication than boys do early on, but their skills worsen by adolescence, a new study suggests1. The researchers looked at social traits of autism in the general population, rather than in children diagnosed with autism. Girls have fewer of these social issues than boys at age 7, but their social skills match those of boys by age …
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For Girls With Autism, Differences Matter
When you think of “autism,” does a male child come to mind? It’s understandable if you answer “yes.” Past estimates have suggested that for every female on the autism spectrum, there are three to four males. On the high-functioning end of the spectrum, estimates have been even higher — in the ream of nine males to one female. But those estimates are changing as we learn more about girls and …