When diagnosing autism in adults, there are key differences between how it appears in men and women. Many women go undiagnosed for years because autism traits in females can be subtle and easily overlooked. Over time, research and personal stories have helped shed light on how autism presents in women, leading many to recognize their own experiences through books, websites, and social media.

While some autism traits are similar across genders, three major differences highlight the need for a specialized approach when assessing autism in women: special interests, masking, and socialization expectations.

Special Interests in Autistic Women

One major sign of autism is intense special interests, but in women, these interests often resemble those of neurotypical peers. This makes them easier to overlook. For example:

  • An autistic girl may be obsessed with reading and finish an entire book in one sitting.
  • She may watch the same movie over and over without getting bored.
  • She may develop a deep fascination with animals, TV shows, or specific subjects beyond what is typical.

These interests are not just hobbies—they are deep passions that help autistic women cope with the world. Recognizing and embracing these interests can provide emotional and social support, rather than dismissing them as excessive.

Read More: How are Eye Contact and Autism Related?

The Role of Masking in Autism Diagnosis

Masking is when autistic individuals hide or suppress their traits to fit into social expectations. Women are often better at masking than men, making their autism harder to detect. This happens because:

  • Girls are encouraged to develop social skills and intuition from a young age.
  • They learn to observe, imitate, and mimic behaviors to fit in.
  • Many women develop a high level of self-awareness about how they are “supposed” to act.

Masking can involve:

  • Forcing eye contact, even when uncomfortable.
  • Copying facial expressions and gestures of others.
  • Hiding sensory sensitivities or discomfort.
  • Speaking in a way that sounds neurotypical, despite struggling internally.

Because of masking, many autistic women are misdiagnosed or overlooked. A skilled evaluator must recognize these behaviors to provide an accurate diagnosis.

How Socialization Expectations Impact Autistic Women

Many autistic women grew up in a time when girls were expected to be polite, quiet, and agreeable. This social conditioning led many women to hide their struggles and avoid expressing discomfort. As a result, they:

  • Downplay their sensory sensitivities.
  • Feel pressured to tolerate overwhelming situations.
  • Are often told they are “too sensitive” or “overreacting.”

Autistic women may struggle with being taken seriously. Society often values logic and rationality over emotion, which can make autistic women feel disconnected or unheard.

Read More: Building Connection in a Neurodiverse Marriage

Why Many Women Are Undiagnosed

Despite growing awareness, many autistic women remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The reasons include:

  • Lack of healthcare professionals trained to recognize autism in women.
  • The ability to mask symptoms makes autism less obvious.
  • Gender expectations that discourage women from speaking up about their struggles.

Finding the Right Support

To get an accurate autism evaluation, it’s important to seek out a professional who understands how autism presents in women. A skilled evaluator will look beyond traditional diagnostic criteria and consider:

  • Masking behaviors.
  • Social adaptation strategies.
  • Sensory sensitivities and internal struggles.

FAQs About Autism in Women

1. Why is autism harder to diagnose in women?

Women are often better at masking their traits, and their special interests may not stand out as much as those seen in autistic men. This can lead to late or missed diagnoses.

2. Can autistic women be social?

Yes! Many autistic women are social and enjoy relationships. However, social interactions can be exhausting, and they may need alone time to recharge.

3. What are common misdiagnoses for autistic women?

Autistic women are often misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), or ADHD instead of autism.

4. How can I get an autism evaluation as an adult woman?

Find a professional who specializes in diagnosing autism in adults, especially women. A thorough evaluation will consider both childhood behaviors and current challenges.

Final Thoughts

Autism in women often looks different from autism in men, making it harder to diagnose. Many autistic women go undiagnosed for years due to masking, social expectations, and subtle differences in symptoms. Understanding these unique challenges can help more women get the support they need and embrace their authentic selves.

Get Professional Support

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 12 years of experience performing psychological evaluations for children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling an evaluation, contact here to get started.