More Women Are Getting Autism Diagnoses. Here's Why

For decades, autism was primarily viewed through the lens of how it presents in boys. This led to generations of autistic girls and women flying under the radar, often misdiagnosed or struggling without answers. Although they maybe weren’t perceived by others as autistic, they were definitely seen as different (too sensitive; too blunt; not enough, the list goes on). However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in autism diagnoses in women. This rise isn’t because autism is suddenly more common—it’s because we (*some of us) are finally getting better at recognizing it.

Why Are More Women Receiving Autism Diagnoses?

1. A Shift in Understanding
   Historically, autism research and diagnostic criteria were based on studies of affluent white cis-boys. This created a bias toward a male-centric model of autism. Fortunately, more recent research has included girls, genderqueer, and BIPOC communities.

2. Increased Awareness and Self-Advocacy
   Social media, books, and content creators with lived experience have played a significant role in helping women recognize themselves in descriptions of autism. Hashtags like #ActuallyAutistic have really elevated lived experience voices and platforms dedicated to neurodivergence have allowed women to share their experiences, leading many to pursue formal autism assessments. Many women first learned they were autistic by hearing the experiences of other autistic women. We are a powerful group!

3. The Tendency to Mask in Autistic Women
   Many autistic women learn to camouflage their traits from a young age. They mimic social behaviors, rehearse conversations, “tone themselves down,” and suppress stimming to fit in. While this can help them navigate or blend into social situations, it almost always leads to burnout, anxiety, and/or a sense of disconnection. With an increase in understanding about masking, this has contributed to more women getting an autism diagnosis. *To read more about camouflaging in females, see The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: a Narrative Review, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

4. Recognition of Co-occurring Conditions
   Undiagnosed autistic women are often diagnosed with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, or eating disorders. These conditions can sometimes be secondary to autism, meaning they develop as a result of struggling to cope in a neurotypical world. Or they may be co-occurring. Autism frequently co-occurs with at least one other mental health condition (reference). More women are getting an autism diagnosis that may actually better explain their experiences, while also ruling out previous misdiagnoses.

5. More Inclusive Diagnostic Criteria
   The diagnostic process and our understanding of autism in women are evolving to include the diverse ways autism presents in women. While challenges still exist, more clinicians are considering the lived experiences of autistic adults rather than relying solely on childhood markers that may have been overlooked. This could be a big reason why more women are getting an autism diagnosis.

Signs of Autism in Women

Autism in women often presents differently than in men, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. Some common signs include intense special interests (which may appear socially typical, like deep fascination with books or TV series), sensory sensitivities, difficulties with social interactions despite appearing outgoing, a tendency to mask autistic traits, and chronic exhaustion from socializing. Many autistic women also struggle with emotional regulation, experience frequent burnout, and have a strong need for routine and predictability. Recognizing these traits can help more women get an autism diagnosis that can help them seek the right support and accommodations.

What Does a Late Autism Diagnosis Mean for Women?

For many women, receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood is life-changing. It can bring relief, clarity, and a new understanding of past struggles. However, it can also be accompanied by grief—grief for the years spent feeling misunderstood or unsupported. The silver lining is that a diagnosis, even later in life, can empower women to seek accommodations, build community, and improve in self-compassion.

The Benefits of an Autism Diagnosis for Women

At NeuroSpark Health, we specialize in diagnosing autism in women, helping our clients gain the clarity and validation they deserve. A formal autism diagnosis is more than just a label—it provides a framework for self-understanding, personal growth, and self-compassion. It can help women prioritize their needs, set healthy boundaries, and recognize their energy limits to prevent burnout.

Diagnosis also offers context for past struggles, validating experiences that may have been previously dismissed or misunderstood. With this insight, autistic women can access appropriate support, accommodations, and a community that fosters self-acceptance. Understanding one’s neurodivergence is empowering, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

The rise in autism diagnoses isn’t a trend—it’s a long-overdue recognition of the diverse ways autism presents and a step toward ensuring all autistic individuals receive the understanding and support they deserve. We see you.