6 Traits of “High-Functioning” or High Masking Autism in Females

Note: At NeuroSpark Health, we do not use functioning labels like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” to describe autism. This article is written to welcome and educate people who are using search engines to look up “high-functioning autism in females.” We’re here to meet you where you are.

Autism in women is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, especially when it doesn’t fit the traditional male-centered model. Autistic women who mask their traits may be perceived as “high-functioning,” but that label is misleading and invalidating.

So, what’s really going on when women, AFAB, or gender-diverse individuals appear to “function well” while privately struggling? It often comes down to masking, a survival strategy that hides visible autistic traits. This blog explores how autism may show up in women who mask, why the “high-functioning” label is harmful, and how to better support those navigating late diagnosis.  

What Is “High-Functioning” Autism and Why Don’t We Use That Term?

Autistic people who easily mask their autistic characteristics are sometimes called “high-functioning,” but the term is outdated and offensive in reference to autism in general. First, it is demeaning to people who have more support needs and implies that they are “low-functioning,” or less-than. Some autistic people on social platforms have compared functioning labels to human beings being equated to a piece of machinery (e.g., This car is not functioning. This computer is not functioning). It’s not a kind way to refer to real people living human experiences. Second, it implies that people who mask their autistic traits do not have those traits. It also takes away from the experiences of autistics who may outwardly appear to have lower support needs, but are very much still experiencing valid and significant struggles internally that people don’t recognize.

“High-functioning” autism in women is something that absolutely deserves discussion. But it can be framed in a better way. High-masking is a more accurate term that captures the way autistic individuals conceal the signs of autism. High support needs and low support needs are some alternative terms to functioning labels, but they still don’t capture the complexity of the individual experiences on the spectrum. It is vital to challenge outdated terms while shedding light on the complex and diverse experiences of autistic women. The best way to describe an autistic woman is to do exactly that — describe who they are, their individual strengths, differences, challenges, likes, dislikes, needs, and behaviors, without relying on a judgment-based label about how much they can or cannot achieve.

Traits of High-Masking Autism in Women

Here are some common experiences among autistic women who mask extensively, often the same people described as “high-functioning.”

Social Camouflaging

Many autistic women are masters of social camouflage, observing, mimicking, and performing neurotypical behavior. You might:

• Rehearse conversations ahead of time
• Force eye contact even if it feels uncomfortable
• Mirror others’ speech or gestures
• Smile or laugh at the “right” time, even if you’re confused

While this may help you “pass” in social settings, it comes at a heavy emotional and physical cost.

Read more about masking →

Intense Focus and Special Interests

Autistic women may have deep, passionate interests, but if those interests align with traditional gender roles (e.g., animals, books, psychology), they’re often overlooked. These intense interests may:

• Offer a sense of identity and self-regulation
• Be mistaken for “just being smart” or “quirky”
• Provide comfort and escape in overwhelming environments

Learn more about autistic special interests →

Emotional Sensitivity and Empathy

The stereotype that autistic people lack empathy is flat-out wrong—especially in women. Many high-masking autistic women report:

• Feeling others’ emotions intensely
• Being overwhelmed by emotional content (in conversations, movies, or social media)
• Taking on caregiving roles that drain their capacity

High empathy often goes unrecognized as an autistic trait because it doesn’t “look autistic” to most professionals.

Difficulty Communicating in Social Settings

Even if you’re articulate, social communication can still be challenging. Autistic women may:

• Struggle with small talk
• Miss subtle cues like tone or sarcasm
• Avoid speaking to reduce social overwhelm
• Feel misunderstood or “too much” in group dynamics

Coaching or therapy can help with unmasking and navigating social fatigue.

Explore autism coaching →

Sensory Sensitivities

Many autistic women experience intense sensory sensitivity but push through to avoid being seen as “difficult” or “dramatic.” You might:

• Avoid certain clothing fabrics or lighting
• Get overwhelmed by background noise
• Use stimming behaviors in private to regulate

Learning to recognize and honor sensory needs is a key part of post-diagnosis healing.

Learn about autism and sensory differences →

Burnout from Masking

Masking isn’t sustainable. Over time, it leads to autistic burnout, a deep exhaustion that impacts memory, functioning, and emotional regulation. Signs include:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Loss of skills
• Increased sensory overload

Many late-diagnosed autistic women only discover they’re autistic after experiencing burnout.

Read: Signs of autistic burnout in adults →

We Understand Autism in Women Because We’ve Lived It

At NeuroSpark Health, we specialize in late-identified autism in women, AFAB, and gender-diverse adults. Our entire clinical team identifies as neurodivergent, and many of us have personal experience with masking, burnout, and the long road to self-understanding.

We offer:

• Adult autism evaluations
• Post-diagnosis coaching
• Support groups and community resources

Our services are available across the U.S. through secure virtual care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, still questioning, or just starting to unmask, our team is here to support you.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation →