Scoping review: the implications of late diagnosis of ASD in women

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34024/rnc.2023.v31.15662

Keywords:

Autism, Women, Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction. Among neurodevelopmental disorders, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of those with the highest ratio between men and women, presenting scores 3.8 times higher for boys than for girls, considering the prevalence in the regions studied. ASD is divided into three levels, classified according to the individual’s need for support considering characteristics such as difficulty in expression, low capacity for eye contact, repetitive behaviors and greater sensitivity to the environment. Objectives. To verify the effects of late diagnosis of ASD in women, as well as the main scientific contributions to reverse this situation. Method. Using the PRISMA protocol, a scope review of scientific works present on the PubMed, Scielo, BVS, Cochrane and Capes platforms was carried out. Results. The late diagnosis of ASD has several implications and risks, including characteristic differences, gender factors influence, depression and self-harm behaviors in adolescence. Difficulties in distinguishing ASD from other disorders are highlighted, emphasizing the need to increase awareness and understanding of autism, especially in specific demographic groups. Conclusion. Numerous factors can explain the high rate of late diagnoses in women with ASD, especially with the concealment of signs and symptoms being a significant contributor. Therefore, it has been possible to observe multiple consequences that underdiagnosis on the spectrum can lead to, notably regarding psychological disorders, often being considered a traumatic experience for this group of women.

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Published

2023-11-22

How to Cite

Soares, A. G. V., Silva, H. C. da ., Vidal, L. A., Bonilla, M. A. de A. ., Tôrres, M. E. M., Lima, M. J. N. de, … Silva, H. R. de S. e. (2023). Scoping review: the implications of late diagnosis of ASD in women. Revista Neurociências, 31, 1–37. https://doi.org/10.34024/rnc.2023.v31.15662

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Vol. 31 (2023)

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Artigos de Revisão

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Copyright (c) 2023 André Gonçalves Vasconcelos Soares, Hellen Carvalho da Silva, Leonardo Aquino Vidal, Maria Altina de Andrade Bonilla, Maria Eduarda Magalhães Tôrres, Maria Júlia Nascimento de Lima, Marina Alves de Santana, Mylena Etelvina de Macedo Alves, Uandra Ellen Santana Paz, Hugo Rafael de Souza e Silva

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##plugins.generic.dates.received## 2023-09-19
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##plugins.generic.dates.published## 2023-11-22

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