Why autism in women is often missed: Hidden toll of masking and misdiagnosis

Dubai: As the world marks Autism Awareness Day today, experts are highlighting an important but often overlooked issue: many women and girls on the autism spectrum are diagnosed later in life than their male counterparts.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people of all genders, but long-standing diagnostic frameworks and social expectations have historically made it harder to identify in females.

Experts note that the delay in diagnosis is not due to autism being less common in women, but because autism often presents differently in females, and women may develop coping strategies to adapt to social expectations, a phenomenon known as masking. These differences often lead to misdiagnoses, such as depression or anxiety, and can mean that women are only identified later in life.

For some women, autism is only identified later in life, often during periods of burnout, when the effort of constantly adapting becomes unsustainable. Others may recognize it when parenting, noticing patterns in themselves that mirror behaviors in their children. Harris emphasizes that being on the spectrum is not a limitation: “A neurodiverse mind is a brilliant one, capable of many extraordinary things.”

Signs to Look Out For

While every autistic person is unique, certain patterns may indicate autism in women:

• Intense focus on specific interests or hobbies

• Social exhaustion or difficulty maintaining long social interactions

• Sensory sensitivities

• Repetitive motor movements (stimming): These can include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.

These signs can easily be misinterpreted, which is why awareness and understanding are crucial.

Supporting women and people with Autism

Harris emphasizes that support starts with acceptance and understanding. “Recognizing that autism reflects a different way of experiencing the world, rather than something to be changed, is key,” she explains.

Practical ways to support someone include:

• Listening to and believing their experiences

• Avoiding repeated criticism for behaviors that may be challenging to others

• Allowing for differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior without expecting conformity

• Respecting autonomy and working collaboratively rather than making assumptions

“Feeling understood and accepted can significantly reduce the pressure many autistic people experience,” Harris notes. This supportive environment can make a big difference, helping reduce the need for masking and promoting mental well-being.

Moving towards awareness

Autism awareness is evolving. Increasingly, clinicians, educators, and families are recognizing that autism does not always look the same in everyone. By learning to identify signs earlier, society can reduce misdiagnosis, provide timely support, and celebrate the unique strengths that neurodiverse people bring to their communities.

For Autism Awareness Day, experts like Harris encourage everyone to go beyond stereotypes, listen closely to women’s experiences, and foster environments where differences are accepted and valued.

Article contributed by Saarangi Aji