a developmental condition characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication
From Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', coined by psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911
The term was originally used to describe a symptom of schizophrenia before becoming recognized as a distinct developmental condition in the 1940s.
Autism was historically diagnosed predominantly in boys; girls and women were systematically under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed due to sex-based diagnostic bias and presentation differences (masking, camouflaging).
Recognize autism across all genders; use identity-first language ('autistic person') when possible, as many in the autistic community prefer it; acknowledge that girls/women present differently and are underdiagnosed.
["autism spectrum","neurodivergence (broader context)"]
Women and girls historically excluded from autism diagnosis and accommodations; emerging research shows girls mask differently, requiring awareness to reduce diagnostic gaps.
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