This recording is for delegates only
Why are so many autistic females diagnosed late, or missed altogether? In this compelling session, Dr. Clare Harrop shares the latest research tracing the developmental pathways of autistic girls and women, from early childhood through to adulthood.
As autism diagnoses in females rise and the gender gap continues to narrow, understanding their distinct profiles and experiences has never been more important. Dr Harrop explores current evidence on diagnostic patterns, the phenomenon of late diagnosis, and life experiences that may be uniquely female, highlighting the critical gaps that still remain.
Essential for professionals interested in a deeper, more inclusive understanding of autism across the lifespan.
About the session
Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in 1 in 36 children in the US, has historically been diagnosed more frequently and earlier in males than in females. However, as this sex ratio continues to decrease, from 4.5:1 in 2012 to 3.8:1 in 2020, there has been an exponential increase in research characterizing autistic females. Despite this rise, there remains a critical gap in our understanding of the developmental trajectories and lived experiences of autistic females. Dr. Harrop discusses diagnostic experiences, including the phenomenon of late diagnosis, as well as “uniquely female experiences”.
Learning outcomes
- To understand the changing prevalence and diagnosis of autistic females.
- To identify factors that may differentiate autistic females and males.
- To gain insight into emerging areas of research, such as puberty.
Interactive overview
Use the interactive programme below to gain an overview of the topic, meet the speaker, test your knowledge, and a whole lot more!
About the speaker
Clare Harrop, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences in the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and investigator with both the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) and Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Dr. Harrop is a developmental psychologist who specializes in the application of multimodal and multi-informant approaches to characterize developmental trajectories in autism, with a large focus on differences between autistic males and females. Her research uses robust longitudinal methods and spans early childhood through to older adults. Her current research is funded through the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.