How Autism Looks Different in Women

Why Autism in Women Often Goes Undiagnosed

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often seen as a condition that primarily affects males, but many women with autism remain undiagnosed, sometimes for life. The symptoms of autism can overlap with those of other neurodivergent conditions, like ADHD. Also several traits commonly considered to be unique to autism such as difficulties with social interactions, sensory overstimulation, or hyper-focus can actually be seen in other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD. This can make diagnosing autism more challenging for mental health providers, especially in women, whose symptoms often look different than men. Societal expectations also make it harder to spot the signs in women, leaving many undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

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Subtle Symptoms and Masking

It is more likely for women with autism to present autistic traits in a more subtle manner compared to men. While men may display more obvious behaviors like repetitive movements or limited interests, women may mask these traits by mimicking social behaviors they see around them. This ability to "mask" can make it difficult for providers to accurately diagnose autism.

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Social Expectations and Gender Norms

In many cultures, girls are often held to higher expectations from a young age regarding social skills and are socially expected to demonstrate greater empathy. For women with autism this means that they require to work harder to fit in. This constant stressful task to appear "normal" can leave this population isolated and misunderstood and lead to anxiety and depression.

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Diagnosis Challenges

The diagnostic tools used for autism have historically been based on research focusing on male subjects, which has lead to gender bias. Women with autism may have special interests that seem more socially acceptable, such as animals or reading, which don’t raise concerns in the same way as the more stereotypical interests seen in boys. Also, women might be better at mimicking social behavior, making their struggles harder to detect.

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Late Diagnoses and Emotional Impact

Many women aren't diagnosed until later in life, often after experiencing significant challenges at work or in relationships. While receiving a diagnosis can provide relief, it can also be frustrating as they look back on years of being misunderstood. For many, it brings a mix of emotions, including grief for not having known sooner.

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If you think you may be on the autism spectrum, there are resources available to help. You can take a free autism test designed specifically for women here: Free Female Autism Test