Autism

Autism is more easily diagnosed in males because the way they present themselves differently between genders so they are diagnosed more and earlier

Ironically all the mums I met when my son was younger were diagnosed with autism. That said it’s genetic and maybe I gravitate towards people that are also socially awkward.

Boys tend to get their diagnosis a lot earlier on than most girls do. Because all the criteria in the DSM were written based upon how boys & men present.

I know a lot of neurotypical children, both boys and girls.

Some girls mask a lot and have special interests like makeup and hair to fit in with the crowd. Most women don’t get diagnosed until adulthood because the whole autism diagnostic criteria is based around young boys. Same with ADHD

Personally, I know a lot more neurodiverse adults than kids. I have a nephew who is autistic and that’s the only child I know.

It sounds like maybe you are drifting into questioning the validity of their diagnoses? Or maybe you can share more about why you’re asking this. But ultimately, more diagnosis is a great thing. It means more kids getting support and neurodivergence getting more recognition.

In my friend group, there’s 7 boys, all between the ages of 3-7, none of them have autism.

Nope. Haven’t noticed it. I’m not around children that age though. My niece was diagnosed at 18 months

Boys are diagnosed more and earlier. There is also an influx of people diagnosing themselves and their kids. So I would wonder how many of them are actually diagnosed by a doctor vs parents just noticing some signs

I dont know any. I wouldnt worry about your 10 month old...I'm sure hes a healthy little boy! Also unfortunately nothing you can do to prevent it.

I know a ton of kids because I’m a teacher and also have a 4 year old (and a 1 year old) who goes to daycare.

At the school where I teach we have had a huge increase in the number of students who have been diagnosed with autism and have high support needs.

As far as I know my son is not neurodivergent and while it would never be my place to diagnose any of his classmates or make assumptions (not that that would be appropriate wit students either), none are autistic that I know of. I know plenty of people with neurodivergent kids and plenty with neurotypical kids.

I definitely wouldn’t say everyone I know who has a boy 2-5 have had their kids diagnosed with autism, no.

My family is almost entirely boys as far as the young kids go and my children are the only ones with autism. My kids go to a special school and most of the boys there are not there for autism. So I guess it just depends on who you know?? I wouldn't worry about your child you could end up creating issues in your mind. Also if he's autistic it can't be undone.

I only know one child under the age of 10 who has been diagnosed in recent years. I have an autistic cousin in his 20s. But I have 7 nephews under the age of 7 and all are neurotypical.

My boy is 3 and doesn’t have autism x

They are the only diagnosed. Their dad is autistic but we don't know his family they live in another country. My boys have level 3 and an intellectual disability. That's far easier to diagnose at a young age. We suspect my grandfather and my father are autistic just the kind people think are geniuses.

I feel like, imo, it’s because girls learn to mask early on. Boys are just….boys lol they learn to mask later on unfortunately. My 4 year boy is autistic but my oldest boy is not. I’m pretty sure I have a little undiagnosed tism as well lol.

There is nothing you should worry about, it is not contagious. 😅

My son has austism but I dont know any other kids and he is 4

I work in childcare, I haven't really noticed this. But I have noticed adults going and getting diagnosis' from doctors

My son was just diagnosed at age 5. That makes for my second child with autism. He has a lot of male peers who are neurotypical

There has definitely been a rise in diagnosis of autism as well as ADHD & the typical age for diagnosis is getting earlier. That said, it’s mostly boys being diagnosed because, as history will show, girls are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until much later in life

Girls are harder to diagnose with autism actually which is why you’re most commonly seeing it with boys.