Experts have long thought that autism and all of the disorders on the autism "spectrum" are more common in boys. But now, a new book asserts that many more girls and women may be on the spectrum than previously thought...
Rudy Simone, the author of a new book called Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome believes that more women may be on the autism spectrum than previously thought. She writes the book from her own experience of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when she was in her mid-40's. Asperger is a high-functioning form of autism. People with the condition often have social problems, but no intellectual handicaps. Experts believe that boys and men are 10 times more likely to suffer from autism spectrum disorders than women, and yet Simone wonders if that's not the case. She says that girls tend to be better at hiding and concealing their symptoms, which leads to many being undiagnosed.
She writes that women with Asperger often "self-medicate" with recreational alcohol and drug use, suffer from stomach issues and emotional problems and may be more pre-disposed to eating disorders such as anorexia. So interesting, and, I'm sure, things that many women haven't considered.
Have you ever wondered if you were on the "spectrum"? Or have you wondered if someone you know is?