High Functioning Autism Symptoms In Teenage Girls

Unravel the puzzle and support them with understanding and strategies.

June 23, 2024

Understanding High-Functioning Autism

High-functioning autism refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intellectual abilities and good language skills. Understanding the unique characteristics of high-functioning autism is essential in recognizing and supporting individuals, especially teenage girls, who may exhibit specific symptoms.

This section will explore the varied talents and interests of individuals with high-functioning autism, as well as the challenges they may face and strategies to address them.

Varied Talents and Interests

Children with high-functioning autism often demonstrate exceptional abilities in a wide range of skills and talents. While not all individuals may exhibit exceptional skills, some may show specific and obsessive interests. These interests can include factual information, playing games alone, collecting or hoarding, cartoons, attachment to a particular object or item, and sensory-seeking activities [1].

It is important to note that these interests may differ from those typically seen in neurotypical individuals, who are more likely to be interested in people and sports.

Teachers and caregivers can use these talents and interests to broaden the learning experiences of individuals with high-functioning autism. By incorporating their interests into various subjects, educators can engage their students and enhance their educational journey [2]. This approach not only promotes their learning but also encourages the development of their unique abilities and strengths.

Challenges and Strategies

While individuals with high-functioning autism have many strengths, they also face specific challenges. These challenges can include difficulties with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and rigid thinking patterns. It is essential to employ strategies that address these challenges and provide support tailored to their needs.

Social skills training is crucial for individuals with high-functioning autism. Teaching them social skills helps them navigate social interactions, understand social cues, and develop meaningful relationships. Strategies such as social stories, structured playgroups, and role-playing can be effective in improving their social skills.

Another challenge faced by individuals with high-functioning autism is the tendency towards rigid thinking patterns and difficulty adapting to change. Providing clear routines, visual schedules, and explicit instructions can help them navigate transitions and maintain a sense of predictability in their daily lives. Additionally, offering support in developing flexibility and problem-solving skills can empower them to cope more effectively with changes and unexpected situations.

Understanding and supporting the unique needs of individuals with high-functioning autism is essential for their overall well-being and success. By recognizing their varied talents, incorporating their interests into the learning process, and implementing strategies to address their challenges, we can create a supportive environment that fosters their growth and development.

Gender Differences in Autism

While the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not inherently different between genders, there are distinct gender differences in the diagnosis and presentation of autism. This section will explore the disparities in diagnoses between girls and boys, as well as the phenomenon of camouflaging symptoms often seen in girls with high-functioning autism.

Girls vs. Boys in Diagnoses

Boys are diagnosed with autism at a significantly higher rate than girls, with a ratio of approximately 4:1. This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including diagnostic bias and the typical presentation of autism in boys. The diagnostic criteria for autism have historically been based on observations of male behavior, making it more challenging to identify autistic traits in girls. As a result, many girls with autism may go undiagnosed or receive a delayed diagnosis.

Camouflaging Symptoms

Recent research has shed light on the phenomenon of camouflaging symptoms, particularly prevalent in girls with high-functioning autism. Camouflaging refers to the ability to mask or hide autistic characteristics, often by imitating neurotypical behavior. Girls with autism may develop coping mechanisms to navigate social situations, leading to the suppression or masking of their autistic traits.

This ability to camouflage can make it more challenging for clinicians and educators to recognize and diagnose autism in girls.

It is important to note that while there are differences in the diagnosis and presentation of autism between genders, the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5-TR, remain the same for both males and females. The perceived gender differences may be influenced by diagnostic biases and the protective effect that females may have due to their ability to mask or camouflage symptoms.

Understanding these gender differences in autism diagnosis is crucial to ensure that girls with high-functioning autism receive the support and interventions they need. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by girls and addressing the tendency to camouflage symptoms, healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers can work together to provide appropriate resources and interventions to help autistic girls thrive.

Social Skills for Autistic Teens

Developing social skills is crucial for autistic teenagers as it helps them build healthy relationships with peers, make friends, and improve self-esteem, well-being, and a sense of belonging. While friendships for autistic teenagers may be based more on shared interests than feelings, it's important to support them in navigating social situations and fostering connections with their peers [4].

Importance of Social Skills

Social skills play a vital role in the lives of autistic teenagers. Acquiring these skills enables them to understand and interpret social cues, engage in conversations, and develop relationships that are appropriate for their developmental stage. However, autistic teenagers may face challenges in these areas, such as difficulty in interpreting non-verbal communication, understanding social expectations, and expressing emotions [5].

By focusing on developing social skills, autistic teenagers can improve their ability to interact with others, navigate social situations, and enhance their overall quality of life. It is important to create a supportive environment that encourages their social growth and provides opportunities for practice and reinforcement.

Strategies for Development

There are various strategies and techniques that can help autistic teenagers develop social skills. Here are some effective approaches:

Role-play: Engaging in role-play scenarios allows autistic teenagers to practice social interactions in a safe and controlled environment. This can help them develop strategies for initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and understanding social cues.
Self-management techniques: Teaching self-management techniques, such as self-monitoring and self-regulation, can empower autistic teenagers to navigate social situations independently. These techniques can include strategies for managing anxiety, understanding emotions, and problem-solving.
Joining social groups: Encouraging autistic teenagers to join social groups or clubs centered around their interests can provide opportunities for social interaction and the development of common friendships. These groups can facilitate connections with peers who share similar hobbies or passions.
Utilizing social media: Social media platforms can offer a way for autistic teenagers to connect with others who share similar interests. Online communities and groups provide a space for them to engage in conversations, share experiences, and build relationships.
Social skills training programs: Participating in social skills training programs specifically designed for autistic teenagers can be highly beneficial. Programs like Stop Think Do, Secret Agent Society (SAS), and PEERS® provide structured guidance and instruction on social skills development.
Social stories: Social stories can be created to help autistic teenagers understand specific social situations and appropriate behaviors. These stories use visual and written narratives to explain social expectations and provide guidance on how to respond in different scenarios.
Video modeling: Utilizing video modeling techniques involves showing autistic teenagers videos of desired social behaviors and interactions. This visual approach helps them learn how to imitate and apply these skills in real-life situations.
Visual supports and prompt cards: Visual supports, such as schedules, visual cues, and prompt cards with reminders of appropriate social behaviors, can aid autistic teenagers in navigating social situations more effectively.

By employing these strategies, caregivers and educators can support autistic teenagers in developing and improving their social skills. It's important to tailor these approaches to suit individual strengths and needs, providing ongoing guidance and reinforcement. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is key to helping autistic teenagers thrive socially.

Late Diagnosis and Challenges

For teenagers with high-functioning autism, late diagnosis is a common occurrence, particularly among girls. Girls are often better at masking their autism by imitating neurotypical behaviors, which can delay the recognition of autistic symptoms.

There are several reasons why late diagnosis occurs, including the ambiguity of symptoms, other conditions taking precedence, and the stress of transitioning to secondary school. On average, autistic females are diagnosed 2-3 years later than boys, with a diagnostic ratio of 3 boys to every 1 girl diagnosed.

Delayed Diagnoses in Teens

The delay in diagnosing high-functioning autism in teenage girls can be attributed to the differences in how autism presents itself in girls compared to boys. Girls often exhibit masking behaviors, camouflaging their autistic symptoms, which makes it more challenging for professionals to identify the signs. Additionally, girls may present their symptoms internally, making it even harder for others to notice their struggles.

These factors contribute to the misconception that autism primarily affects boys, resulting in delayed diagnoses for many girls. It is crucial to recognize and address the unique presentation of autism in girls to ensure timely support and intervention.

Coping with Puberty

Puberty can be a particularly challenging time for teenagers with high-functioning autism. The physical and emotional changes associated with puberty can exacerbate existing difficulties related to social interactions and sensory sensitivities. Autistic teenagers may find it more difficult to navigate the complex social dynamics and expectations that arise during adolescence.

The increased emphasis on peer relationships, independence, and self-identity can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and confusion.

During puberty, autistic girls may experience heightened sensory sensitivities, such as increased sensitivity to sounds, textures, or smells. These sensory challenges can be overwhelming and impact their overall well-being. It is crucial to provide support and strategies to help autistic teenagers cope with the unique challenges they face during this developmental stage.

This may include creating a safe and supportive environment, providing clear and explicit guidance on social expectations, and offering resources for managing sensory sensitivities.

By recognizing the delayed diagnoses and challenges that autistic teenagers, especially girls, face, we can work towards a better understanding and support system for them. It is important to promote early identification and intervention to ensure that all individuals with high-functioning autism receive the support they need to thrive during their teenage years and beyond.

Supporting Autistic Girls at School

Navigating the school environment can present unique challenges for autistic girls. It is crucial to provide them with the support and understanding they need to thrive academically and socially. In this section, we will explore two important aspects of supporting autistic girls at school: providing discreet support and developing social understanding.

Providing Discreet Support

Autistic girls often feel anxious about standing out or being noticed as different. To address this, it is important to offer support discreetly, ensuring that they feel comfortable and secure in their environment [7]. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

By providing discreet support, we can create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers autistic girls to thrive academically and emotionally.

Developing Social Understanding

Autistic girls may require assistance in understanding other people's perspectives, intentions, and expectations. Developing social understanding can greatly enhance their social interactions and relationships. Here are some strategies to consider:

By focusing on discreet support and social understanding, we can create an environment that allows autistic girls to thrive academically and socially. It is important to foster a sense of belonging, provide the necessary tools for social interactions, and ensure their emotional well-being is prioritized. With the right support, autistic girls can reach their full potential at school.

Challenges Faced by Autistic Teens

Navigating adolescence can be challenging for any teenager, but those with high-functioning autism face unique difficulties. Understanding these challenges is crucial for providing appropriate support and guidance. In this section, we will explore two significant challenges faced by autistic teens: self-esteem and mental health, as well as sensory challenges and bullying.

Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Autistic teenagers often struggle with self-esteem and a poor sense of self, which can lead to depression and suicidality. Some may react by denying the problem, overcompensating with inflated self-esteem, or blaming others. Anger problems may also arise.

The frontal lobe condition associated with autism affects executive functioning, with approximately 3/4 of autistic individuals also experiencing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions impair their ability to regulate emotions and behavior, leading to impulsivity, defensiveness, and avoidance of anxiety-inducing situations [8]. Providing emotional support, therapy, and building a positive self-image are crucial in helping autistic teens navigate these challenges.

Sensory Challenges and Bullying

Autistic individuals often experience sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to noise, light, aromas, textures, and tastes. These challenges can lead to hypervigilance, exhaustion, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating due to processing sensory experiences. Creating a supportive environment that takes sensory needs into account, such as creating a calming sensory room, can help alleviate these challenges.

Unfortunately, over 90% of autistic teenagers have experienced cruel bullying, including peer rejection, by the age of 14. Many autistic teenagers may perceive people as confusing, difficult to read, and punishing, leading them to avoid social interactions. However, having just one friend can protect them from poor mental health outcomes. Educating peers, teachers, and school staff about autism and its challenges can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

It is crucial to recognize these challenges faced by autistic teens and provide the necessary support and understanding. By addressing self-esteem and mental health concerns and creating an inclusive environment that addresses sensory challenges and bullying, we can help autistic teenagers thrive during this pivotal stage of their lives.