Autism Rates in Women

New research suggests rates of Autism might be the same for men and women

For the history of Autism rates have always been higher for men than women. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) fourth edition the rates were 3.7% in men versus 1.5% in women.  By the DSM-IV-TR the rates were noted as being closer to 4% of men versus 1% of women.  In the DSM-5 it remained at 4 to 1. The DSM-5-TR kept the rate at 4 to 1 yet did note that it might be closer to 3 to 1.  

In recent years we have seen more and more women being diagnosed with Autism.  What is significant for many of these women is they are being diagnosed later in life, often only once they reach adulthood. A recent article in the Guardian reporting on a Swedish study noted that once we account for the women diagnosed with Autism in adulthood the gender gap disappears. 

This is significant for those working with women on the Autism spectrum. For far too long the profession of psychology has thought of Autism as a predominantly male diagnosis and this is likely inaccurate.  As noted in a previous blog post on women with Autism women who are diagnosed often feel neglected by the wider autism community. 

This new data will likely help many women feel validated in their experiences as well as provide opportunities for providers to better understand how Autism presents in women.  For professionals it is important to get training on how Autism presents in women as the presentation, especially in childhood, can look different than it does for men.