Wellness Efforts for Autistic Women

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough awareness of the substantial need for appropriate wellness efforts for adults with autism is growing, females with autism may have been under-identified in the past, and consequently, the research to date is largely based in a male-centric conceptualization of autism. The purpose of this narrative review was to ascertain what is known about wellness efforts for women with autism.Recent FindingsBeyond the shared challenges as experienced by autistic men, autistic women may have unique and differing social, physical, and psychological wellness needs; however, there remains limited research to date in many areas of lifespan wellness concerns.SummaryWe emphasize the need for future autism and disability research to acknowledge and account for potential sex and gender impact across areas of study. Further acknowledgement of sex and gender impact will play an important role in improving clinicians ’ capacity to identify autism in girls and women, which is a foundational component of many wellness efforts.
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - Category: Child Development Source Type: research