Although autism can be reliably diagnosed at the age of two, says Dr. Birgit Schlegel, a pediatric neurologist at Mediclinic Constantiab in Cape Town, and are only diagnosed at the age of five – and some in adolescence or in adulthood. “Later diagnosis often means that the individual has lived for years with emotional, behavioral and social difficulties that have not been properly understood or supported.” Studies suggest that an autism diagnosis for adults often occurs. This is because girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disguise their symptoms rather than boys. This further delays a diagnosis.
An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed worldwide in each of 100 children. In the United States, however, this number has increased significantly to one of 31. Boys are more diagnosed than girls – a pattern that also applies to South Africa. In South Africa there is no data that indicates how many people receive an autism diagnosis for adults. However, emerging examinations suggest that almost 80% of autistic women at the age of 18 do not remain diagnosed.
Even based on the probable conservative estimate of 1% of the affected population, hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa are likely to live with autism. Many cannot be diagnosed due to limited resources, stigmatization or a lack of consciousness. Since prevalence is increasing worldwide, the need for accessible screening, well -founded care and support for families is also necessary. Here is what you should know about an autism diagnosis for adults and how ASD manifests yourself for women.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction as well as by limited and repeated behavior. “This means that there are differences in the development of the brain or in the way in which brain compounds are manufactured and maintained. This in turn has an effect in the way information is processed or skills are acquired,” explains Dr. Mwanja Chundu, specialist psychiatrist at Mediclinic Crescent Psychiatary Services in Cape Town. “This [symptoms] are impairments in mutual social communication and social interaction as well as limited, repeated behavior patterns, interests or activities. “
Some people can also react very sensitive to everyday sensory experiences – such as loud noises, light lights, certain textures or strong smells. These can feel overwhelming or even painful. [People with ASD] Can also fight with communication, both when speaking and understanding body language, the facial expressions or the tone of the voice.
Like Dr. Schlegel emphasizes, the term “spectrum” in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and also the severity. “While earlier diagnostic frameworks are differentiated between separate autism types, the disorder is now classified on the necessary support based on the severity and, which is even more important.”
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How does ASD – and an autism diagnosis – differ in women?
“Women mask their autism symptoms with greater probability by compensating for deficits or imitation expected social behaviors,” explains Dr. Chundu. “This makes the social challenges that you face more subtle. Your special interests can concentrate less on lifeless objects or lonely activities.” Because of this “masking”, women can go to ASD years before screening. Your neurology also differs from boys. A study by Stanford University School of Medicine compared the brain structures of boys and girls. They found motor -related differences, which means that girls are more likely to be visual as a boy with less probability.
“Women often do not look for a diagnosis if they use their ability to compensate for the deficits. They are also not selected for further evaluation in childhood. This is because their compensation strategies stop them from standing out,” says Dr. Chundu. “Over time, they are emotionally and mentally exhausted, since these strategies require constant vigilance and adaptation in social, professional and school environments. This is common if they ultimately occur as the cause of burnout for the support of coping with their burnout and the underlying autistic symptoms.” With regard to an autism diagnosis for adults, a later diagnosis does not mean that they have acquired ASD for 30 years in life. Rather, it is a symptom of other factors. “The lack of adequate screening or the presence of subtle symptoms with minimal impairment leads to a late diagnosis. Autism, like other neurological development disorders, is a lifelong state,” explains Dr. Chundu.
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How to be scrolled on ASD in South Africa
There is a screening opportunities in South Africa. A formal diagnosis includes a clinical evaluation with a qualified psychiatrist, psychologist or occupational therapist (or another clinician) carries out an assessment using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. “This is the only way to make a diagnosis,” says Dr. Chundu. “However, there are many freely available online screening questionnaires that can be helpful when determining whether another evaluation would be helpful.”
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How is ASD treated?
An effective treatment of autism depends on a highly individual approach. “No two people with autism have exactly the same needs,” explains Dr. Schlegel. “The most effective interventions combine behavior, development, education and psychosocial elements- often alongside language and occupational therapy to help with communication and daily life skills.”
Treatment or support for ASD can affect any number of health service providers, from “clinical counseling, educational and neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and other healthcare services that specialize in working with this patient population,” says Dr. Chundu. She also does not add any self -help groups, “Social Media organizes several online communities for neurodiver women.”
“We need a broader awareness and earlier identification,” says Dr. Schlegel. “We have to understand the spectrum for what it is – a diverse and lifelong illness that requires compassion, specialist knowledge and personalized support.”
