Autism in Women: Why it Can Easily Fly Under the Radar 

Rachel Moseley, a Psychology Lecturer at Bournemouth University, recounts how she had endured bullying, social isolation, and depression throughout her adolescence.^[2] Her strange incapability to fit in with everyone else was a shadow that loomed over her head for years.^[2] However, when she received an autism diagnosis during adulthood, it felt like a “light in the darkness.”^[2] She stopped blaming herself for her differences and found her footing in the world. 

Still, this revelation isn’t the norm for many autistic women; in truth, autistic women constantly struggle to be understood by friends, family, and even medical professionals.^[2] 

Society’s View of Autistic Men vs Autistic Women^[1][4] 

The medical world has largely treated autism as a traditionally “male” condition, with studies showing that men are four times more likely than women to receive a diagnosis successfully.^[1][4] The traits and behavior problems autistic men display are a contributing factor, since they tend to be obvious and visible, such as aggression or hyperactivity.^[4] On the other hand, women tend to internalize their symptoms, with these categorized as the following: sensory sensitivity, intense interests, social difficulties, and often coexisting conditions (ADHD, eating disorders, depression, etc.).^[2][3][4] 

It doesn’t help that the comprehension of autism within the medical community derives mostly from research conducted on autistic men^[3] This leads to medical professionals having a minimal understanding of autistic traits unique to women. They’re more likely to brush off women seeking an autism diagnosis, discouraging women from ever seeking professional help again. 

The Truth Behind the Mask 

As autistic girls grow up, most become adept at hiding their autistic traits. Incidentally, there is a word that autistic women use to describe this behavior: masking.^[1][2] They may mimic the behavior of people nearby, force themselves to make eye contact with others, or prepare jokes and phrases in advance for a social setting.^[4] 

In an autistic woman’s world, every social interaction is a challenge—not a time for leisure. If

they slip up, they risk becoming prime targets for harassment and bullying.^[2] Therefore, their “social disguise” becomes the only way they can feel they can navigate their lives. Still, this mask isn’t without its drawbacks. Suppression of their symptoms undoubtedly contributes to the low diagnosis rates.^[4] 

The Grim Consequences of Going Unnoticed 

Studies show that autistic women have higher rates of poor mental health compared to autistic men.^[4] When their narratives are weaved by neglect and powerlessness, it’s no surprise that this is the reality. It also seems that the time of diagnosis and mental health are inextricably connected.^[4] An earlier diagnosis naturally leads to fewer mental health risks, while a later or even no diagnosis fuels the deadly flames of mental illness. 

Sometimes, the outcome is a grim one—indeed, there are high rates of suicide among undiagnosed autistic women. 

A Rocky Road to Support 

Many autistic women who struggle to obtain a professional diagnosis often peruse online forums and social media for a like-minded community of autistics. While this is certainly beneficial, it should not be the only way they feel they can comfortably find help. A professional diagnosis can provide easier access to a multitude of resources.^[3] For instance, it can open up the pathway to receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, or medications for coinciding mental illnesses.^[1][3] Also, it can provide a welcomed gift of validation and support that autistic women have long craved 

The truth is this: when we focus on increasing awareness, we give autistic women the courage to seek out a diagnosis, bolstering their chances of attaining acceptance and freedom from shame. 

References 

[1] Autism in Women: Why We Get Diagnosed Late. A Center for Mental Wellness. https://www.acfmw.com/autism-in-women-why-we-get-diagnosed-late 

[2] Moseley, Rachel. (2023). Like many women, I didn’t know I was autistic until adulthood – how late diagnosis can hurt mental health and self image. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/like-many-women-i-didnt-know-i-was-autistic-until-adulthood-how late-diagnosis-can-hurt-mental-health-and-self-image-212561 

[3] Osborn, Corrine. (2023). Understanding Autism in Women. HealthLine. https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-women#takeaway[4] UCLA Health. (2023). Understanding undiagnosed autism in females. Ucla Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/understanding-undiagnosed-autism-adult-females