When it comes to assessing for autism in adults, there are a number of key differences between males and females. When adults are being evaluated for autism for the first time, it takes a skilled evaluator to notice whether autistic traits are present. The diagnostic criteria has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, and many people are learning more about how autism presents in women and recognizing their own characteristics in what autistic people are sharing in books, websites, and other social media. Though there may be many similarities in the symptoms of autism across genders, three major differences highlight the need for a differentiated approach when assessing for autism in adults.

Special Interests

First, often-overlooked special interests of autistic women are important to acknowledge and understand. Special interests in autistic girls and women tend to be similar to those of their neurotypical peers, but are often more intense. Whether reading, watching the Disney Channel, or enjoying time with animals, these interests might be overlooked because most children share them to some extent. However, for autistic girls and women, these can be more intense—whether reading a book from cover to cover in one sitting or obsessively watching the same movie over and over again, these intense passions are not just a hobby.

By recognizing and appreciating a person’s special interests, we can better support a person’s social and emotional needs throughout their lives. It’s critical that we embrace these differences rather than trying to suppress or ignore them. After all, it is precisely this intensity of interest that drives many autistic women to succeed in fields where others may struggle or fall short.

Masking

Masking is another big difference to be aware of when assessing for autism in adult females. Women are often thought to be better at masking than men, and there is a good reason for this. While men are typically encouraged to focus on traditionally male activities like sports and science, women are often expected to develop their social skills and intuition by being more involved in groups and reading books for pleasure. As such, many women grow up with strong observational skills and an innate ability to pick up on subtle cues in human behavior.

For an autism evaluation to be accurate, it is essential that the evaluator takes into account any potential masking behaviors. Masking is a way that autistic individuals often try and cover up their autistic traits and challenges associated with autism. This can include variations in speech patterns, body language, or even certain physical behaviors, all of which may impede an accurate assessment of autism. Given the importance of identifying autism accurately, it is critical for evaluators to understand how masking behaviors can impact their work. By recognizing and addressing these potential challenges, they can ensure that they have a true and complete picture of the individual’s functioning. Thus, masking is a vital component of any meaningful autism evaluation.

Socialization by Gender

Most adult women grew up in a time where they were encouraged to stay quiet and not speak out when they were uncomfortable, and for this reason, many today continue to hide their autism traits or sensory sensitivities. This tendency to underreport these issues can prevent them from getting the help and support that they need, with potentially serious consequences. By recognizing and acknowledging these difficulties, we can start to break down this barrier of silence and provide those affected with the resources and support they need. Whether it is by encouraging open dialogue about autism or by offering greater access to affordable therapy services, we must all do our part to help women feel empowered and supported in voicing their needs. Through this collective effort, we can begin to dismantle harmful patterns of behavior that have long held women back, allowing them to truly thrive as individuals.

As anyone who knows an autistic woman can attest, these women are often treated as if they are overreacting or being dramatic. This tendency to minimize or disconnect women from their bodies and intuition not only perpetuates the harmful social stigma surrounding autism, but also compounds the struggles that autistic women face every day. In a society that largely devalues emotion and favors rationality and logic, people with autism are often dismissed as being irrational or hysterical. This disconnect between what they feel in their bodies and what others perceive them to be creates huge barriers for autistic women, who struggle to express themselves in a way that will be taken seriously. Furthermore, this disconnect can lead to feelings of shame and uncertainty, leaving these women struggling to develop a strong sense of self-esteem or self-worth.

Ultimately, it is crucial that we work to break down the social stigma around autism so that all women are respected for who they are and allowed to communicate their needs and feelings in a meaningful way. By validating the experiences of autistic women, we can help create a world where all people feel connected to their bodies and intuition, and truly heard by those around them.

Conclusion

With Autism Spectrum Disorder affecting millions of children and adults across the globe, it is critical that healthcare providers have a thorough understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD. Unfortunately, one major obstacle to identifying ASD in adults, particularly women, is the lack of specialized providers who can recognize and diagnose the condition effectively. Many psychologists are not well-versed in the specific needs of adult patients with ASD, leaving them unable to accurately identify and evaluate potential cases. Factors such as women’s tendency to mask or downplay their struggles, along with societal expectations for how women should behave, can make it even harder for healthcare providers to spot signs of ASD. Therefore, it is important to seek out providers who have extensive experience evaluating and treating ASD in adults. By doing so, you can be sure that your evaluation will be tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you are struggling with social interaction or navigating an increasingly complex world as an autistic adult, remember that finding a supportive psychologist can make all the difference in your life. So don’t be afraid to seek out help when you need it – always choose quality over convenience. And remember that although autism may be invisible at times, it is always real.

Dr. Jessica Myszak has had over 12 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she is able to work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, Washington DC, and Wisconsin! If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with her, you can visit her website here or email her here to get the process started.