This podcast on Female phenotype in Autism and implications for clinical care in psychiatry explores the autistic characteristics in women and girls - often referred to as the female phenotype - which suggests that autistic women and girls have characteristics that are different from the traditional profile observed in males and boys and may be missed. For example, females may have more social skills and are more likely to mask their difficulties and camouflage autistic traits. While the features of female phenotype fit into current diagnostic criteria, they may be expressed in ways that exclude them from traditional methods of assessing and diagnosing autism. Moreover, because research on autistic females is lacking, our understanding is limited. For example, there may be more mental health challenges and burn out from camouflaging, and this has clinical implications for both assessment and management. 

Prof Valsamma Eapen is Professor and Chair of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney & Head, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney (AUCS). Eapen is also Director of BestSTART Child Health Academic unit; Chair, Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, RANZCP; and Treasurer and President Elect of International Neuropsychiatry Association.  Clinically trained in India and the UK, Eapen completed advanced training in Child Psychiatry at the Great Ormond Street Hospital Rotational Scheme and Institute of Child Health, and PhD from University of London with research on Tourette Syndrome undertaken at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Known internationally for expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Tourette Syndrome, Eapen’s work focuses on health equity.

Dr Pramudie Gunaratne is the current Chair of the NSW Branch of Psychiatrists and has previously completed a term with the Board of Directors for the RANZCP as the inaugural Director from the trainee cohort. She has received multiple awards, including the World Psychiatric Association Early Career Psychiatrists Fellowship and a Fellowship in Intellectual Disability Neuropsychiatry with the Health Education and Training Institute. Pramudie has been a consultant to the Brain Health Unit at the World Health Organization in Geneva where her work centred on improving research and diagnostic rates for dementia in low- and middle-income countries. She is the co-founder of Seriph Clinics, a specialist private service caring for people with complex neuropsychiatric disorders. She is also a Research Fellow at the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN).

References/Resources 

• Autism in women and girls | Autism Awareness Australia 

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.