A recent review of the medical records of 100 girls found that many had sought treatment for autism or ADHD, but had been ignored – or their symptoms had been downplayed by medical professionals.

“The thesis focuses primarily on 100 girls who, before reaching adulthood, went to the doctor on account of difficulties with social interaction and/or concentration at school or elsewhere… ‘They had also asked for help at an early stage, but hadn’t been given a proper diagnosis.’ [says Svenny Kopp, a doctoral student at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology…]” - Source: University of Gothenburg

A subsequent evaluation found that many of the girls exhibited evidence of either autism or ADHD. Many of those same girls also suffered from anxiety, depression or social behavior disorders. They also struggled in school, were often truant, and avoided sports and other extracurricular activities. Kopp hopes the findings in her thesis will encourage pediatricians and mental health professionals to take autism and ADHD in girls seriously, and offer treatments as soon as possible.

Labels: autism, diagnosis, girls

Posted By: CRC Health Group