141: Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Donna Henderson Part 1 (Professionals Series)
Feb 2, 2021
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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.
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.
Importance of Diagnosis for Families
Receiving an autism diagnosis can fundamentally change the narrative for individuals and families, moving away from misleading labels that can lead to misunderstanding. Diagnosis can bring clarity and open the door to essential services and interventions, though not every autistic person needs a formal diagnosis to thrive. It's emphasized that autism should not be viewed as a deficiency but part of human diversity, much like being left-handed. Recognizing this can alleviate fears associated with the diagnosis and promote better understanding and support.
Misdiagnosis and the Gender Gap
Girls are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed with autism due to their nuanced behaviors that differ from the more recognized signs in boys. Clinician bias plays a significant role in this, as many professionals hold outdated views of autism, mistaking subtle autistic traits for other issues like anxiety or shyness. Research indicates that girls often excel socially on the surface, leading to their challenges being overlooked, especially during formative years. As girls enter adolescence, they may struggle more visibly due to social dynamics, highlighting the need for increased awareness in diagnostic practices.
Distinguishing Between Autism and ADHD
While autism and ADHD both involve brain differences, they present distinct challenges, particularly in social interactions. Autistic behavior is characterized by significant social difficulties, whereas ADHD is primarily linked to attention and self-regulation issues. Misdiagnosis often occurs in girls, as ADHD may be identified without recognizing coexisting autism traits. Clinicians should be vigilant for red flags that suggest a deeper exploration for autism, especially when previous diagnoses fail to account for the full range of symptoms.
Rachel and Steph welcome clinical psychologist Dr. Donna Henderson to the podcast. Dr. Henderson talks about the autism diagnosis and how it has shifted over the years. She talks about the benefits of diagnosis and when diagnoses can be helpful. She teaches how nuanced autism is, how it presents differently between males and females, and why girls are so often misdiagnosed.
Connect with Dr. Henderson:
Drdonnahenderson.com
drdonnahenderson@gmail.com
Schedule an appt : The Stixrud Group (301-565-0534)
TED Talk recommended by Dr. Donna Henderson
Donna's New Book: Is This Autism?
Blog Post about Donna's New Book
How to connect with us:
Join our FB Group
Join our e-mail list
Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website
Steph’s My Ed Therapist website
@learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
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