F – Autism Dictionary
F
Female Autism presentation
Autistic characteristics in women and girls may differ from those of boys. They might seem to have fewer social difficulties than autistic men and boys, but this could be because they are more likely to ‘mask’ their autistic traits (though the stress of doing so can result in anxiety and overwhelm). At school, autistic girls may be more likely to be part of a friendship group and this could be a reason that teachers don’t notice their differences. They may also be missed if their academic achievement masks difficulties they are facing in other areas. It is believed that since females are more social than men, they can create more effective masks, their interests lean more to the social side too, like animals, art and literature.
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/autistic-women-and-girls and https://www.oxfordcbt.co.uk/female-autism-checklist/
Female Phenotype See Female autism presentation.
Focus See Special Interest
Food intolerance Autistic individuals are more likely to experience digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and stomach pain. These issues can be linked to food intolerances, which are different from allergies, as they don’t involve the immune system.
I am unable to find any research showing Mast Cell Activation in the gut and food intolerance, and then exacerbating autism symptoms.
Here Orion Kelly discusses gut problems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb58LIokUBc