Autism in Women: Why It Can Be Overlooked
Autistic women may learn to camouflage social differences, contributing to delayed identification or an incomplete understanding of their needs.
Autism has often been described using research and examples centered on boys and men. As a result, women whose traits are less obvious or who have developed strong coping strategies may be overlooked. Some become skilled at observing and imitating social behavior while privately experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, or sensory overload.
A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond stereotypes. It considers the person’s developmental history, internal experience, relationships, routines, interests, and the effort required to navigate everyday expectations.