Autism symptoms: understanding variations across ages and genders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, and deep focus on specific topics or activities. However, the manifestation of these symptoms can vary significantly between children and adults, as well as between males and females.

Autism symptoms in babies

• Not responding with a smile or happy expression by 6 months
  
• Not mimicking sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
  
• Not babbling or cooing by 12 months
  
• Not gesturing — such as pointing or waving — by 14 months
  
• Not saying single words by 16 months, or two-word phrases by 24 months
  
• Not playing “make-believe” or pretending by 18 months

   

Autism symptoms in children and adolescents

• Not responding to their name
  
• Delayed speech and language skills
  
• Avoiding eye contact
  
• Preferring to play alone and avoiding turn-taking games
  
• Difficulty understanding certain social rules
  
• Talking about a narrow range of topics
  
• Difficulty using and interpreting body language
  
• Speaking in a monotone or sing-song voice
  
• Not smiling back when smiled at
  
• Repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping or spinning
  
• Getting upset by certain tastes, smells, or sounds
  
• Repeating the same phrases
  
• Finding it hard to see others’ perspectives

   

Autism symptoms in adults

• Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
  
• Intense anxiety in social situations
  
• Preferring to be alone
  
• Difficulty making friends
  
• Taking things very literally
  
• Following the same routine every day and becoming very anxious if it changes

   

Autism in women and girls: how they differ from men

Autism manifests differently in males and females, leading to potential underdiagnosis in females:

• Better reciprocal conversation skills
  
• Higher likelihood of sharing interests with others
  
• Better ability to understand verbal and non-verbal communication
  
• Greater ability to modify their behaviour based on the situation
  
• Less obvious repetitive behaviours
  
• More socially accepted special interests (e.g., celebrities or animals)

   

These differences can result in females developing coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, often leading to a later diagnosis. Recognising these subtleties is essential for providing appropriate support.

How to undergo an Autism Assessment

At Dr Online, you can undergo an online assessment to learn whether you or your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder. This assessment applies to both adults and children. During the assessment process, the specialist typically employs various methods to gather information. These include observation of the patient, administration of structured tests, and conducting interviews with the patient and, if advised, with relatives or friends. The results of this comprehensive evaluation provide valuable insights into the individual’s strengths and challenges, helping to determine whether they meet the criteria for a developmental diagnosis.