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The Daily Insight

Why is it harder to diagnose females with autism

Author

Isabella Browning

Updated on April 23, 2026

Boys with autism tend to have very repetitive and limited areas of play. Girls with autism are less repetitive and have broader areas of play. Girls with autism are more likely than boys to be able to respond to non-verbal communication such as pointing or gaze following.

How does autism differ in males and females?

Boys with autism tend to have very repetitive and limited areas of play. Girls with autism are less repetitive and have broader areas of play. Girls with autism are more likely than boys to be able to respond to non-verbal communication such as pointing or gaze following.

How can you tell if a girl has autism?

  1. inability to look at or listen to people.
  2. no response to their name.
  3. resistance to touching.
  4. a preference for being alone.
  5. inappropriate or no facial gestures.
  6. inability to start a conversation or keep one going.