Understanding the Unique Social Challenges of Females with Aspergers Syndrome

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Understanding the Unique Social Challenges of
Females with Aspergers Syndrome

• Mary Riggs Cohen, Ph.D.
• Director, Autism Spectrum Resource Center

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• Dear Jenna,
• Youve been a good friend and weve had some
  good times but I cant do this anymore. The phone
  calls, the girl talks, the feelings thing-its
  too much for me. Your expectations exhaust me. I
  have to do things your way and I dont know what
  your way is. Dont call me ever again.
• Have a great life.
• Leah
• The ADHD Autism Connection

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Differences in AS Girls

• Less severe expression of characteristics
• Use imitation or modeling to camouflage social
  difficulties
• Imaginary friend or social play with dolls,
  stuffed animals
• Passive personality style, reluctant to socialize
• More motivated for social skills group training
• Interests in animals, classic literature, poetry
• Unusual voice characteristics (high pitch,
  immature)

The Pattern of Abilities and Development of Girls
with Aspergers Syndrome Dr. Tony Attwood
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The Extreme Male Brain (EMB)Theory of Autism
Systemizing is our most powerful way of
understanding and predicting the laws governing
the inanimate universe. Empathizing is our most
powerful way of understanding and predicting the
social world. Simon Baron-Cohen
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Dr. Baron-Cohens Findings

• AS males and females scored higher on Systemizing
  and lower on Empathizing than matched normal
  controls
• AS children had high levels of testosterone.
  Possible implication of prenatal testosterone in
  autism.
• Female babies look longer at a human face than a
  mechanical mobile. Males show the opposite
  pattern.

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This theory proposes

• Most normal males and females have traits of both
  brain types
• AS girls have more male brain characteristics
• AS boys have the extreme male brain

Excerpted from Dr. Temple Grandin,The Extreme
Male Theory of Autism, January Autism Aspergers
Digest 2003
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Parents Perceptions of the Most Difficult Aspect
of Socialization for Their AS Daughter
1. Conversation skills with peers (initiation,
give and take, following rhythm) 2. Language
processing (misinterpretation) 3. Maintaining
friendships 4. Inability to read
people 5. Trusting peers
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Parents Perceptions of Daughters Female Role
Models
1. Mother 2. Grandmother 3. Teacher 4.
Aunt
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Parents Perceptions of Daughters Favorite Books
1. Fantasy (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings) 2.
Classics (Anne of Green Gables) 3.
Encyclopedia, Eyewitness books, National
Geographic 4. Science animal facts, human
anatomy 5. Short stories, magazines
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Parents Perceptions of Daughters Emotional
Expression
1. Over reactive, outbursts 2. Holds emotion
in, withdraws 3. Verbalizes sadness, cries
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Parents Perceptions of Daughters Areas of
Interest
1. Art, drawing, cartooning 2. Animals 3.
Reading 4. Computers 5. Drama 6. Creative
Writing 7. Japanese animation
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Parents Greatest Challenge with an AS Daughter
1. Preparing her for the future
(independence) 2. Protecting her from being hurt
by others (sexual abuse) 3. Not enabling her 4.
Helping her cope with the social world 5.
Dealing with her emotional highs and lows
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Emerging Trends
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Comorbid Conditions
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Reasons for AS Girls Social Skills Groups

• Increase contact with other AS girls (placed in
  predominantly male AS classrooms, groups)
• Provide exposure to typical female activities
  (sleepovers, crafts)
• Discuss pre-adolescent issues (hygiene,
  menstruation, hormonal changes)
• Discuss female social interaction (phone calls,
  secrets, two faced behavior)
• Experience acceptance with girls who have
  similar unique interests
• Increase feelings of self worth (valued for
  individuality)

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If you are interested in participating in this
study as a parent of an AS female or are an adult
AS female, please e-mail mc_at_autismsrc.org and
leave your name and phone number.
Copies of this presentation are available online
at www.autismsrc.org. Click on Whats New.