Navigating the intersection of disability and diversity means understanding how different conditions and disorders affect people from all walks of life. Girls, women, and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) have some unique challenges and obstacles to face throughout their lives when it comes to neurodiversity.
From signs and symptoms to support and services, autism in adult women often looks, feels, and manifests differently than in boys and men. There’s a lot we still need to learn about the ways autism affects individuals. Still, a close examination of our biases, expectations, and opportunities for insight is a good place to start!
How Autism Looks Different in Girls and Women
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a wide range of symptoms, strengths, challenges, and personal experiences for those who are diagnosed.
It’s true that every autistic person is different. However, there are some circumstances specific to women, girls, and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) that affect why, when, and how they are supported throughout their lives.
Social, emotional, and biological factors impact the way autism affects women and girls. Empowering women with disabilities means listening, learning, and recognizing the unique circumstances they face in their personal lives and society at large.
Underrepresented and Underdiagnosed
According to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), 50% of autistic boys are diagnosed before age 11. For girls, that number is only 20%, with around 80% remaining undiagnosed by the time they are 18. So why is that?
It’s true that, per our current understanding, autism is more common in boys. But still, many girls and women are diagnosed in adulthood after living with autism for many years.
Some of this has to do with society’s expectations, stereotypes, and misogynistic attitudes about the health and behavior of girls. Autistic traits are expressed differently in girls and may not always stand out the way they do in boys.
The following generalizations aren’t true for everyone, but they are common trends that contribute to late, incorrect, or lacking diagnoses for autistic women. Early signs of autism in girls are typically missed due to:
- Social factors. Girls tend to have fewer social difficulties than boys with autism. They may be more motivated to form relationships and, in general, tend to have stronger communication skills.
- High masking autism. Girls and women without noticeable cognitive or behavioral differences tend to mask their autism symptoms from a young age in order to better fit in with their peers. This behavior often continues into adulthood and can lead to burnout.
- Internalization of symptoms. For boys, signs of autism are often externalized. They may have physical stimming behaviors and trouble sitting still. Girls are more likely to internalize these feelings and may develop depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions as a result.
- Acceptable special interests. Girls with autism often have special interests and hyperfixations that don’t stand out as much as boys’. These tend to be more socially acceptable (e.g., animals, books, celebrities, etc.), so they are frequently overlooked.
Late Diagnosis of Autism in Adult Women: What Does it Change?
Undiagnosed autism in adult women is much more common than many people realize. In fact, many conditions, like autism and ADHD in women, are underrecognized, understudied, and underdiagnosed.
Because many autistic women are diagnosed later in life or misdiagnosed for part of their lives, a correct diagnosis can come with a sense of relief and validation. It often explains some of the symptoms, struggles, and alienating experiences they have encountered throughout their lives, offering new answers, insights, and options.
Some signs of autism in adult women include:
- Executive functioning challenges
- Difficulty with self-regulation and impulsiveness
- Social anxiety or avoidance
- Sensory sensitivities and stimming
- Intense special interests or focus on hobbies
Mental and Physical Health Concerns
The lack of proper diagnoses and supportive services means that neurodivergent women face an increased risk of mental health issues. They may also struggle with education, employment, and social expectations without understanding the reasons behind their challenges.
Autism in older women can also contribute to or coincide with other conditions. Eating disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, sleep disorders, and tic disorders often co-occur in autistic women.
Because of some hormonal differences, women with autism typically experience more intense symptoms of menstruation and menopause. A 2021 study found that autism in older women was also linked to higher levels of depression during menopause compared to neurotypical women.
It’s clear that there is still a lot we don’t understand about autism, and lots of research still to be done. In the meantime, it’s important we practice compassion, acceptance, and understanding, keeping an open mind when it comes to the diverse ways disabilities—both visible and invisible—affect us all.
Discover More Resources for Self-Empowerment at NeuroNav
Whether you’re living life with a disability or care about someone who does, NeuroNav is here to give you the compassionate, insightful information you need to do and be your best. We understand that everyone’s experiences are unique, and we’re here to help you get the individualized support you need to achieve your goals.
For residents of California, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can help you make your voice heard when it comes to the disability services you receive. Our independent facilitation services are here to help you navigate the ins and outs of the SDP so you can get the tailored care and support you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more and take the next step towards your dreams.