Barriers Women with Autism Face

Autism in women is oftentimes overlooked. Failing to support and have a proper understanding of women with autism silences their voices and disregards their experiences. In order to reduce and prevent this, we must understand how both society and the medical field contribute to the unique and challenging experiences women with autism endure.

Late Diagnosis

Autism being perceived as a ‘male issue’ harms women. According to the CDC, autism has a higher prevalence in boys than in girls, almost 4 times more common in boys. This statistic has significantly impacted the likelihood of young girls of being diagnosed. Although sex differences in research seems to show that there is a smaller prevalence of autism in girls compared to boys, it does not equate to zero prevalence of autism.

This statistic influences how both society and the medical field perceive autism. Professionals may overlook a symptom of autism in a girl and trivialize it by deeming it as a matter of being shy. This is because it is both socially accepted and expected young girls to be ‘delicate’ and ‘quiet’. When symptoms are overlooked it can lead to a late diagnosis, a misdiagnosis, or even  lack of a diagnosis. This further leads to lack of treatment, support, services and other missed opportunities which adds onto the challenges and obstacles women with autism already face.

The ‘shy’ stereotype

In young girls, social avoidance or lack of eye contact is typically interpreted as a matter of being timid (Open Doors Therapy). Unlike boys, if a young girl is quiet, it is generally accepted rather than raise cause for concern. This contributes to either late diagnosis or no diagnosis at all. Young boys are encouraged and expected to be playful and boisterous so when they do not partake in such activities, it may alarm parents or doctors. Social or behavioral challenges often present in those with autism. Yet when young girls have those symptoms, they may be interpreted as social anxiety or shyness.  

Being Ostracized

Society generally expects women to be calm, nurturing, and polite when engaging in social interactions. This box that labels women is already restricting in itself but for those with autism, it brings a whole new wave of difficulties. Women who have certain symptoms of autism like difficulty in processing social cues or making social and emotional connections may be perceived as awkward or hostile because they deviate from the socially expected norm. For this reason, they may face social isolation or even bullying which may lead to things like depression and/or anxiety. This makes life much harder for women with autism. It additionally may contribute to why autism is be overlooked or dismissed as another diagnosis (Operational Doors Therapy).

What you can do?

It is important to recognize the early symptoms of autism in your child in order to prevent late diagnosis. It is also important to know that autism is a spectrum. It presents itself in many ways so no criteria should be based on stereotypes. Be aware and support them.

Learn and be aware of potential symptoms of autism here.

Check out ways autism may present itself in adults here.