<p>Being a female whose only (now-adult) child is a male with Asperger’s, and being surrounded by other quirky family members with autism, Asperger’s (and shadow syndromes and autism “cousins”; most of us are undiagnosed), I always “got” the genetic connection but that there are gender differences is something I have also ALWAYS known although little has been written on it. (Of course, that is probably just my own “theory of mind” talking! ;)) During the past decade, many books have been written on autism and, more recently, on Asperger’s (I know, it’s become the “disorder du joir”), including many anecdotal/biographical accounts. It’s nice to see more serious attention being given specifically to girls on the spectrum and it will be interesting to see what further research reveals. </p>
<p>A few recent books: </p>
<p>“Asperger’s and Girls” by Tony Attwood et al (2006)</p>
<p>“Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges” by Lori Ernsperger and Danielle Wendel (2007)</p>
<p>“Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-teen and Teenage Years” by Shana Nichols et al (2008)</p>
<p>Thanks for posting this article. My smartest child - I am convinced has Asperger’s. I had never heard of it until she was around 15. When I read the article and looked at the characteristics - I knew. Some were obvious and some mild - perhaps because of her being female. By then she was nearly through high school and too late for any help we could have used throughout her horrible elementary and middle school years.
The elementary guidance counselor was pretty progressive and my daughter even got counseling in 7th grade but no one ever mentioned the possibility of Asperger’s. Perhaps because she is so intelligent and her issues weren’t always by the book - she escaped diagnosis. She definitely had/has a obsession with books. She would and still does read the same books over and over. Now her obsession is more of a specific genre of books. Her teachers thought it was wonderful but couldn’t see that while she spent recess reading books she was missing out socializing. Only through counseling did she realize that her obsession with reading was shutting people out.</p>
<p>We had a lot of painful and frustrating years. She has kind of “grown out” of it - but not really. Learned to cope is more like it. Fortunately, she found a great group of friends early in college and has had a successful college career. Hopefully, she has a bright future ahead of her.</p>