5 Commonly Overlooked Signs of Autism in Women

Autism is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, especially in women. While autism is diagnosed in 1 in 44 children, the diagnostic rate for women is much lower; there’s a significant gender imbalance in autism diagnoses. Studies show a male-to-female ratio of 4:1, meaning women’s symptoms often go unnoticed or dismissed, preventing them from receiving proper support.

Autism is not “four times rarer” in women; it’s just that it presents differently. Many women are left undiagnosed due to societal expectations, masking, and diagnostic biases. Recognizing autism in women requires a deeper understanding of the subtle signs and unique experiences women face.

This blog focuses on 5 commonly overlooked signs of autism in women and explains how they differ from more typical autism traits seen in men.

How Autism Diagnoses Differ for Men and Women

Why Are Women Underdiagnosed?

It’s essential to understand why autism in women is so often missed. Autism has historically been studied predominantly in men, with research showing a strong bias toward white, male children. The diagnostic criteria were based on how autism manifests in boys, which leads to significant misinterpretations when it comes to women.

Additionally, women are more likely to mask their autism traits, hiding their struggles to conform to social expectations. This phenomenon, combined with the fact that many women internalize distress rather than expressing it outwardly, makes autism harder to spot in women.

5 Overlooked Signs of Autism in Women

1. Anxiety or Depression Misdiagnosed as Autism

Women with autism often face difficulty with social interactions, which can overlap with symptoms of anxiety or depression. A woman might withdraw from social situations, struggle with concentration, or experience emotional overwhelm without being recognized as autistic. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis, leaving the root cause untreated and exacerbating mental health issues.

2. Controlling Body or Facial Expressions

Many autistic women work hard to mask their true emotions. They may focus on controlling their facial expressions and body language to avoid being perceived as “awkward” or “different.” This masking behavior can leave women feeling exhausted and misunderstood, but it’s a common coping mechanism for autistic women who want to fit in socially.

3. Shyness or Introversion

Shyness is often seen as a personality trait, but for autistic women, it may be a sign of discomfort with social interaction. While neurotypical women might comfortably socialize, autistic women often find these interactions overwhelming. They may appear shy or introverted because they struggle to engage in the ways society expects, not because they lack social desire.

4. Social Struggles That Aren’t Always Visible

Autistic women often face significant challenges with socializing, such as trouble understanding social cues, maintaining friendships, or fitting in. These struggles may be overlooked because women tend to be better at masking their difficulties than men. While a woman may appear fine on the outside, she could be mentally and emotionally drained from trying to keep up with social expectations.

5. Rigidity and Preference for Routine

Routine is essential for many autistic people, and this can manifest in women as a preference for predictable schedules. Whether it’s work, school, or personal life, autistic women may avoid disruptions to their routines to feel safe and in control. This behavior can sometimes be dismissed as stubbornness or resistance to change rather than a sign of autism.

Why Recognizing These Signs is Important

Recognizing these signs of autism in women is crucial for ensuring that they get the right support and resources. Without the proper diagnosis, autistic women may struggle with their mental health, relationships, and self-esteem. It’s important to foster an understanding of how autism presents in women, so they can receive the care they need.

Key Takeaways

• Autism is underdiagnosed in women: Women often mask their symptoms, leading to a higher likelihood of being missed or misdiagnosed.
• Subtle signs of autism: Anxiety, shyness, and a preference for routine are key signs that are often overlooked or misunderstood in women.
• Why it matters: Understanding these signs helps ensure autistic women get the support they need, reducing misdiagnosis and improving overall well-being.
• Get the support you deserve: Identifying as neurodivergent, whether self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed, is a crucial step in finding proper care and resources.

NeuroSpark Health: Supporting Neurodivergent Women

At NeuroSpark Health, we specialize in supporting neurodivergent women, from those who are self-diagnosed to those seeking formal assessments. Our coaching, accommodations support, and therapy services are designed to support women through their journey of self-discovery. Whether you are exploring your neurodivergent identity or have already received a diagnosis, we offer the resources and guidance you need to thrive.

Contact our team today or schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward self-understanding, acceptance, and support.