The Gender Gap in Autism Research

Public project summary

Historically autism research has been conducted primarily on males. Because of this there is a significant gap on the knowledge known about how autism presents itself in women. For years diagnostic tests have been targeted at the autistic symptoms that men have, simply assuming that women have the same symptoms. Because of this many women with ASD are not being identified which is negatively impacting their lives. The goal of my project is to research the signs and symptoms of girls with ASD in an effort to form a clearer view of autism in girls. This will make it easier for women with autism to receive the support they need.