Do girls experience Asperger’s Disorder differently?
Yes, however far fewer girls are diagnosed with Asperger’s than boys. Earlier, the ratio was believed to be one girl to every ten boys was diagnosed with Asperger’s (10:1). Currently however that ratio is believed to be more in the range of one girl to every four boys (4:1; Attwood, 2003). As professionals become more familiar with the diagnostic criteria, more girls appear to be receiving the Asperger’s diagnosis. Generally, it is believed that girls experience a much milder form of the difficulties associated with Asperger’s Disorder. American society emphasizes and pushes girls to develop strong social skills at an early age. This may benefit girls with Asperger’s by helping them learn compensatory skills or address any deficits earlier in life. Alternatively, it has been suggested that girls use different coping strategies when dealing with social situations (Attwood, 2003). Girls tend to hide in social situations, and remain on the periphery. This allows them to observe the behavi
