Dubai Autism Center Warns: Girls Face Delayed Autism Diagnosis Due to Symptom Presentation Differences
Dubai: The Dubai Autism Center has raised concerns about the disparities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis between genders, emphasizing that these differences extend beyond mere prevalence rates. According to the center, the way symptoms manifest in males and females can lead to significant delays in diagnosis for girls compared to boys.
The center explained that the lower rates of diagnosis among girls do not imply a reduced prevalence of autism. Instead, these figures may reflect the distinct ways in which symptoms are expressed and the challenges faced in recognizing them during early developmental stages. Research indicates that girls who meet the criteria for ASD often remain undiagnosed for extended periods.
A systematic review focusing on the barriers to autism diagnosis in females identified four primary factors contributing to these delays: variations in behavioral and social symptom presentation, the ability of some girls to mask social difficulties, a lack of awareness regarding these differences, and unintentional biases during the diagnostic process.
A recent study conducted in the United States found that females typically receive their first autism diagnosis an average of 14 months later than their male counterparts. The research highlighted that delays are particularly prevalent in milder or atypical cases, especially when language and cognitive abilities are intact, repetitive behaviors are less noticeable, or symptoms manifest later in development.
Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General and Board Member of the Dubai Autism Center, emphasized the need for increased attention to the diagnostic gap between genders. He stated that the lower diagnosis rates among girls should not be interpreted as a lower prevalence of autism but rather as a reflection of how the disorder presents differently in females and the challenges in identifying it early.
Al Emadi urged a shift away from traditional perceptions of autism, noting that some girls may excel in adapting to social situations or imitating socially accepted behaviors. This adaptability can make their difficulties less visible to parents, educators, and specialists, particularly when their language and cognitive skills are strong. He advocated for a comprehensive assessment approach that considers a child’s developmental patterns, communication abilities, social interactions, interests, and sensory behaviors, rather than relying on a single observable trait.
To bridge the diagnostic gap, Al Emadi called for collaboration among families, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and behavioral specialists. He underscored the importance of enhancing professional understanding of how autism can manifest differently in girls. The center reiterated its commitment to promoting awareness about the significance of early identification and intervention, highlighting that autism spectrum disorder can vary significantly from one child to another, including notable differences between genders.
The Dubai Autism Center also pointed out the crucial role of awareness programs, professional training, and comprehensive screening and assessment processes in identifying children who may require further evaluation and support.
Dr. Nicholas Orland, Executive Director of Educational and Therapeutic Programmes at the Dubai Autism Center, noted that one of the primary challenges is that girls with autism do not always conform to the traditional profiles historically associated with the condition. He explained that many girls develop coping strategies to navigate social challenges, such as observing peers and mimicking their behavior or memorizing conversational patterns.
From an external perspective, these girls may appear capable of forming relationships and communicating effectively, yet the underlying processes can be exhausting and require significant effort. Dr. Orland highlighted the concept of “social camouflage,” which has gained importance in understanding gender differences in autism diagnosis. He clarified that the issue is not that girls do not experience difficulties; rather, some challenges may be less visible in the environments where they are observed.
He elaborated that girls might communicate fluently and engage in group activities while still struggling with understanding social dynamics, adapting to changes, processing sensory information, and maintaining social interactions.
Dr. Orland emphasized that assessments should not be based solely on initial impressions or observations from a single session. Instead, they should encompass a child’s developmental history, feedback from family and school, direct observations, appropriate diagnostic tools, and clinical expertise. He added that gathering information from various environments is crucial, especially when signs of autism are less apparent, as a child’s behavior may vary significantly between home and school settings. Challenges may also become more pronounced as social and academic expectations rise.
He concluded by stating that diagnosis is not merely about labeling a condition; it serves as a gateway to understanding a child’s needs and providing the necessary support and interventions. Early identification can enhance opportunities for children and families to develop the skills and strategies needed to navigate social and academic pressures effectively.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-08-23 11:18:00 • By the Editorial Desk
