Program
Special Education M.A.
Number of Pages
56
Year Approved
2021
First Advisor
Larson, Susan
Second Reader
Michael Mignard;
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological, developmental disorder characterized by rigid, repetitive behaviors and impaired social communication skills. While ASD diagnoses have increased dramatically in recent years, identified males significantly outnumber female diagnosis rates. This thesis explores the unique experiences of girls with ASD and ascertains the gender-related differences in the diagnostic process, including the unique perspective of their families. A growing body of literature revealed that childhood gender differences may not be significantly pronounced, and from female and family perspectives, gender differences tended to emerge in adolescence.
Degree Name
Special Education M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Solum, D. J. (2021). The Unique Experience of Female Autism [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/857