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Learn Smarter Podcast

141: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 1 (Professionals Series)

Feb 2, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Donna Henderson, a clinical psychologist with expertise in autism, delves into the unique challenges of diagnosing autism in girls. She highlights the evolving understanding of autism and how its presentation differs between genders, often leading to misdiagnosis. Dr. Henderson shares insights on the implications of accurate diagnosis for providing proper support and touches on the neurodiversity model and societal impacts. With a focus on subtle behaviors, she underscores the need for a nuanced approach in educational settings.
37:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of autism understanding highlights the importance of recognizing female phenotypes to address the under-diagnosis of girls.
  • Receiving an accurate autism diagnosis can transform perceptions and provide access to vital support, emphasizing the diversity of human characteristics.

Deep dives

The Evolving Understanding of Autism

The understanding of autism has evolved significantly over recent decades. Initially, the perception of autism was limited, with narrow examples often referencing white males exhibiting pronounced social challenges. Now, there’s recognition of the female phenotype, which presents in more subtle forms of autism, leading to under-diagnosis in girls. This shift is crucial, as it acknowledges the diverse spectrum of autistic traits that exist beyond traditional stereotypes.

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