Thousands of GIRLS may have undiagnosed autism because they can hide the signs better than boys
- Figures show that boys are nine times more likely to develop the condition than girls and experts assumed this was due to genetic differences
- But experts now believe girls are simply better at hiding certain symptoms - such as being able to recognise people's emotions as happy, sad or fearful
- This is dangerous because left untreated, these girls may be prone to eating disorders and depression later in life
Thousands of girls may have autism that has never been diagnosed because they cover-up the signs so well
Thousands of girls may have autism that has never been diagnosed because they cover-up the signs so well, researchers believe.
Figures show that boys are nine times more likely to develop the condition than girls and experts assumed this was due to genetic differences.
But research by University College London and Bristol Universities suggests many more females may have the condition than previously because they mask the tell-tale signs.
The findings have prompted concern that girls are missing out on key treatment and therapy that is leaving them prone to eating disorders and depression later on.
Figures show that 1.8 per cent of boys have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder - which also includes Asperger's - compared to 0.2 per cent of girls.
Some scientists believe this is due to genetic differences between the sexes and they have found several 'flaws' in the men's genes which could trigger the condition.
But Dr Radha Kothari, from UCL's Institute of Child Health and colleagues think many more girls may have the condition than previously thought.
They looked at data on 3,666 children aged 13 and 14 who had taken part in a number of key tests to diagnose autism.
The study found that girls who probably had autism were able to hide certain symptoms such as being able to recognise people's emotions as happy, sad or fearful.
Some people with autism or similar disorders find it difficult to distinguish between emotions and may not comfort others who are upset.
But Dr Kothari believes girls learn to recognise facial emotions and effectively hide one of the key symptoms.
This means teachers are less likely to notice the condition and it may well go undetected if they undergo tests.
Charities say girls with autism are missing out on key treatment and therapy which may leave them more prone to eating disorders and depression later on.
Caroline Hattersley, from the National Autistic Society said: 'Historically, research on autism has focussed mainly on the experiences of men and boys with the disability. This important study will therefore help us to better diagnose the condition in woman and girls.
'Girls are often better at developing ways to mask what we traditionally think of as the signs of autism.
'This "masking" can lead to a great
deal of stress, and many girls go on to develop secondary problems such
as anxiety, eating disorders or depression.
Figures show that boys are nine times more likely to develop the condition than girls - and experts assumed this was due to genetic differences. But the new research has cast this into doubt
'It is important that more research is carried out into the way autism manifests in girls and women, so that we can ensure that gender does not remain a barrier to diagnosis and getting the right support.'
Dr Kothari, whose research is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said: 'The lack of association between social communication difficulties and facial emotion recognition in girls suggests girls might learn to compensate for facial emotion recognition difficulties.
'This has important implications for current assessment of clinical ASD in girls.
'Gender-specific assessment of ASD traits and characteristics might be important in order to understand the causes of ASD, and individual treatment needs across gender.'
Autism is a life-long condition that causes problems with communication and understanding although there are different levels of severity.
There is no medical treatment although children are offered behavioural therapy to help them communicate and interact with others.
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