The socio-communication deficits of individuals on the autistic spectrum are well documented. However, this has largely been based on the male population and less is known about how females with autism manage social relationships across the developmental period.Ten adolescent female participants with a diagnosis of autism were interviewed and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis used to explore their experiences of managing their social relationships. The results showed that participants were motivated to develop and maintain friendships, but during adolescence this became increasingly difficult.Consequently, they developed explicit strategies to manage these relationships, including masking and imitation. The use of such strategies was both advantageous and disadvantageous, and such findings should be considered in developing gender sensitive assessment and developmentally appropriate support.Keywords: Adolescence; female; Autism Spectrum; social relationships; imitation.Coping strategies of girls with ASC 3 IntroductionThe prevalence of autism in 2010 in the UK was estimated at 3.9/1,000 in eight year old boys and 0.81/1,000 for eight year old girls (Taylor, Jick, & MacLaughlin, 2013). In a review of 32 epidemiological studies between 1966 and 2011, the male: female ratio was estimated at approximately 4:1 in autism and 10:1 in Asperger's Syndrome ([AS] Fombonne, 2003). Whilst exact ratios differ across studies, the gender disparity has been consistent since the condition's initial identification, often credited to Kanner in 1943. Various theoretical accounts for this gender difference have been offered, and criticism has been directed at the research and diagnostic practices which may perpetuate and exaggerate this difference. It is important that the reality of this imbalance and the gender sensitivity of assessment instruments and services are investigated, as it seems that girls with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) may remain un-or mis-diagnosed, and more gender appropriate support not offered (Gould & Ashton-Smith, 2011).It is beyond the scope of this paper to present the breadth of theories around gender and ASC (see Rivet & Matson, 2011, for a comprehensive review), but one influential theory is the Extreme Male Brain ([EMB] Baron-Cohen, 2002). Here males are described as typically having greater skills in rule-governed, systemising activities whilst typical females are described as having superior empathy and general emotional sensitivity. Hence, males are more likely to be on the autistic spectrum as they are more predisposed to autistic traits.. Whilst the EMB theory describes biological factors as a strong determinant of risk of ASC, Fine (2008) argues that the theory underplays the influence of non-biological factors. Debates around the aetiology of ASCs continue, and there is also mounting evidence that the androcentric nature of assessment instruments, together with the self-confirming bias of gendered expectations about typical presentations within services, are maintaining this gen...

Whilst this exploratory study highlighted some commonality in terms of perceptions of family support and friendships as protective and desirable, participants differed in their ability to establish and maintain peer relationships. Participants valued personal qualities such as intelligence, humour and trust within relationships, and recognised the important role of peers and siblings in the development of social skills, a finding which has implications for the delivery of social skills training and other interventions. The study provides empirical support for the application of personal construct methodologies in ASD research and offers a potentially useful approach to therapeutic intervention.

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