Autism

Autism can look different depending on whether someone is a boy, girl, or gender diverse. This sometimes means that autism is spotted earlier in boys, but missed or misunderstood in others. Here's what we often see:

👦 Boys:

• Autism in boys may be more visibly noticeable in early childhood.

• They might show clear differences in social interaction, like not responding to their name, preferring to play alone, or struggling with social rules.

• Interests may be narrow and intense, such as trains, numbers, or gaming.

• Repetitive behaviours (like hand-flapping or lining things up) may be more obvious.

• Boys are more likely to be referred for assessment at a younger age because their behaviours are often more external or disruptive.

👧 Girls:

• Girls often mask their autistic traits, copying what others do to fit in, even if it feels confusing or exhausting.

• Their special interests might be more socially acceptable (e.g., animals, books, celebrities) but just as intense.

• They may be very talkative or seem sociable on the surface, but struggle with deeper social understanding and emotional overload.

• Girls are often diagnosed later, sometimes not until teenage years or adulthood.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Non-binary / Gender-diverse young people:

• Many neurodivergent young people also explore or identify with gender diversity.

• They may show a blend of traits and face additional challenges with identity, sensory issues, and acceptance.

• It's important to feel safe expressing both your gender identity and your neurodivergence.

👉 Important: These are just patterns, not rules. Everyone with autism is different, no matter their gender. Some boys hide how they feel. Some girls show their feelings by fidgeting or moving. Some non-binary people do a mix. What matters most is understanding your experience.