{"id":139849,"date":"2025-04-14T12:00:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T11:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=139849"},"modified":"2025-04-15T16:15:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T15:15:49","slug":"autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm","title":{"rendered":"Autistic Women &#038; Girls: Why So Many Are Missed or Misdiagnosed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Autism in Women &amp; Girls: Why Are They Misdiagnosed?\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YuG1jzuZXlY?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"223\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/maria-daves.htm\"><b>by Dr Maria Daves\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"608\"><strong>For a long time, autism has been widely misunderstood<\/strong>\u2014especially when it comes to how it presents in women and girls. It was once assumed that autism was primarily a male condition, with research and diagnostic tools heavily focused on boys and men. As a result, many autistic women and girls have spent years\u2014often decades\u2014without the diagnosis, support, or understanding they need.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"631\">But this is changing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"1003\"><strong>More women and girls than ever are now discovering they\u2019re autistic<\/strong>, often later in life. This growing awareness is beginning to challenge outdated stereotypes and reveal just how inaccurate the old assumptions were. Autism is not just a male experience. It affects people of all genders\u2014including women and girls, and non-binary individuals\u2014in complex and diverse ways.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1055\">Why Are Autistic Women and Girls Often Missed?<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1397\"><strong>One key reason autistic girls and women go undiagnosed is masking.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_139854\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/4600925177_56a300af56.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-139854\" class=\"wp-image-139854 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/4600925177_56a300af56-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"autistic girls \" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/4600925177_56a300af56-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/4600925177_56a300af56.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-139854\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">By: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/alireza_parsi\/4600925177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">ali reza<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1397\">Many autistic females learn to camouflage their difficulties by copying others, mimicking social behaviour, or \u201cperforming\u201d in ways that make them seem neurotypical. This masking can be so effective that teachers, family members, or even clinicians miss the signs entirely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1723\">At school, an autistic girl might appear to be part of a friendship group, achieve good academic results, and seem like she\u2019s coping well. But underneath, she may be struggling to manage intense anxiety, sensory overload, or feelings of not fitting in. Her success in one area can completely mask her difficulties in others.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"2131\">Another issue lies in the tools and criteria used for diagnosis. Many were developed with boys and men in mind, so they fail to capture the traits more common in women and girls. These tools may overlook the subtler, internalised signs of autism\u2014such as intense interests that align with socially acceptable topics (like books, celebrities, or animals) or more passive behaviours that don\u2019t draw attention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2133\" data-end=\"2183\">What Does Autism Look Like in Women and Girls?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2305\">While every autistic person is unique, there are some common traits and patterns often seen in autistic women and girls:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2309\" data-end=\"2424\"><strong data-start=\"2309\" data-end=\"2336\">Masking or camouflaging<\/strong> their traits in social settings, which can lead to extreme exhaustion or burnout later.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2501\"><strong data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2454\">Internalised challenges<\/strong>, such as anxiety, low mood, and perfectionism.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2592\"><strong data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2532\">Highly focused interests<\/strong>, which may be socially acceptable and therefore overlooked.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2702\"><strong data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2642\">Difficulty identifying and expressing needs<\/strong>\u2014especially when these have been suppressed over many years.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2786\"><strong data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2731\">Meltdowns or shutdowns<\/strong>, which may only happen in safe environments like home.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2885\"><strong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2816\">Struggles with identity<\/strong>, often from years of trying to fit in and meet others\u2019 expectations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"3106\">Crucially, many autistic women and girls are misdiagnosed with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or borderline personality disorder\u2014without their underlying autism being recognised.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3108\" data-end=\"3131\">The Cost of Masking<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_139859\" style=\"width: 307px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/28445988_005ff942df.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-139859\" class=\"wp-image-139859 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/28445988_005ff942df-297x400.jpg\" alt=\"masking autism\" width=\"297\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/28445988_005ff942df-297x400.jpg 297w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/28445988_005ff942df.jpg 371w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-139859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">By: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jackol\/28445988\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Mikhail Esteves<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3133\" data-end=\"3370\"><strong>Masking might help autistic individuals \u201cpass\u201d in social situations, but it often comes at a huge personal cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3133\" data-end=\"3370\">Suppressing natural instincts and coping strategies\u2014like stimming, using direct language, or seeking alone time\u2014can lead to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Emotional burnout<\/li>\n<li>Mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts<\/li>\n<li>Physical exhaustion<\/li>\n<li>A sense of isolation or disconnection<\/li>\n<li>Increased vulnerability to abuse<\/li>\n<li>Loss of identity or low self-esteem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3595\" data-end=\"3868\">Many autistic women and girls have spent their lives being told they\u2019re \u201ctoo sensitive,\u201d \u201clazy,\u201d \u201codd,\u201d or \u201cnot trying hard enough.\u201d Over time, they may begin to believe these labels\u2014without realising that their differences stem from neurodivergence, not personal failings.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3870\" data-end=\"3913\">Finding Support and Reclaiming Identity<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3915\" data-end=\"4268\"><strong>One of the most powerful steps for many autistic women and girls is finding community.<\/strong> Connecting with other autistic people\u2014whether online or in person\u2014can offer validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Support groups and neurodiversity-positive organisations can also help individuals rediscover their identity, strengths, and preferences.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4270\" data-end=\"4409\">Therapy can be another important part of the journey. At Harley Therapy, our practitioners work with autistic women and girls to help them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4447\">Unmask safely, at their own pace<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4450\" data-end=\"4485\">Reconnect with who they truly are<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4488\" data-end=\"4518\">Navigate burnout and anxiety<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4521\" data-end=\"4561\">Build self-awareness and self-advocacy<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4564\" data-end=\"4628\">Embrace their neurodivergence as a valid and valuable identity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4630\" data-end=\"4671\">Moving Forward: What Needs to Change?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_139860\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/36100019452_ecf4b817c4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-139860\" class=\"wp-image-139860 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/36100019452_ecf4b817c4-400x267.jpg\" alt=\"Autistic community\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/36100019452_ecf4b817c4-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/36100019452_ecf4b817c4-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/36100019452_ecf4b817c4.jpg 499w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-139860\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">By: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/8058853@N06\/36100019452\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Helgi Halld\u00f3rsson<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4673\" data-end=\"4841\">To better support autistic women and girls, we need widespread change\u2014across education, healthcare, workplaces, and families. That change starts with three key pillars:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4947\"><strong data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4859\">Awareness<\/strong> \u2013 recognising the varied and often subtle presentations of autism in girls and women.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4951\" data-end=\"5075\"><strong data-start=\"4951\" data-end=\"4966\">Inclusivity<\/strong> \u2013 creating environments where neurodivergent individuals are welcomed and supported, not expected to mask.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5079\" data-end=\"5156\"><strong data-start=\"5079\" data-end=\"5096\">Understanding<\/strong> \u2013 challenging assumptions and listening to autistic voices.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5158\" data-end=\"5357\">As understanding grows, we hope to create a world where autistic people don\u2019t have to hide who they are\u2014and where girls and women are diagnosed not decades too late, but when they first need support.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"5359\" data-end=\"5362\" \/>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5668\">If you or someone you care about might be autistic and is looking for support, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/harleytherapy.co.uk\">Harley Therapy<\/a> to find an experienced therapist. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/maria-daves.htm\">Dr. Maria Daves, Consultant Counselling Psychologist and ADHD Coach<\/a>, offers specialist autism and ADHD assessments and support both online and in our London clinics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Dr Maria Daves\u00a0 For a long time, autism has been widely misunderstood\u2014especially when it comes to how it presents in women and girls. It was once assumed that autism was primarily a male condition, with research and diagnostic tools heavily focused on boys and men. As a result, many autistic women and girls have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":139854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[399],"tags":[442,452],"class_list":["post-139849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adhd-and-autism","tag-autism","tag-autism-spectrum-disorder","has_thumb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Autistic Women &amp; Girls: Why So Many Are Missed or Misdiagnosed<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover why autism in women and girls is so often missed or misdiagnosed. Learn about common signs, masking, and how Harley Therapy can support autistic individuals.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Autistic Women &amp; Girls: Why So Many Are Missed or Misdiagnosed\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover why autism in women and girls is so often missed or misdiagnosed. Learn about common signs, masking, and how Harley Therapy can support autistic individuals.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Harley Therapy\u2122 Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/harleytherapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-14T11:00:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-15T15:15:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/wp-content\/uploads\/4600925177_56a300af56.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"375\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr Maria Daves\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@HarleyTherapy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@HarleyTherapy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr Maria Daves\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm\",\"name\":\"Autistic Women & Girls: Why So Many Are Missed or Misdiagnosed\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/autistic-women-and-girls-why-so-many-are-missed-or-misdiagnosed.htm#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\\\/counselling\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/4600925177_56a300af56.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-14T11:00:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-15T15:15:49+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover why autism in women and girls is so often missed or misdiagnosed. 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