Women’s History Month: The Overlooked Story of Autism in Girls & Women
Research, diagnostic criteria, and public awareness has historically focused on how autism presents in boys, leading to some disparities in identification rates between boys vs girls.
This Women’s History Month, we’re shedding light on:
The history of autism identification in boys vs. girls
The unique ways autism may present in girls and women
The female leaders shaping autism awareness
How Behavior Frontiers is working to bridge the gap
A History of Gender Bias in Autism Identification
Autism was first described in 1943 by psychiatrist Leo Kanner, who observed certain traits in a small group of children—almost all boys. Around the same time, Hans Asperger (who described what was once called "Asperger’s syndrome") also primarily studied boys.
As a result, autism became strongly associated with male behavioral traits, and early research suggested that the condition was 4 to 5 times more common in boys than in girls.
However, we now know that:
Autism isn’t necessarily rarer in girls—it may just present differently and can be overlooked.
Many females with autism may be misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Diagnostic criteria have been historically researched on male traits, making it harder for nuances in girls and women to be recognized.
The consequences? Many girls and women with autism may spend months or even years without understanding why social interactions, sensory experiences, or emotional regulation may feel more difficult for them.
Only in recent decades has research begun to recognize these differences, leading to a growing awareness of autism in girls and women.
How Autism May Present Differently in Girls and Women
While autism can present similarly in both boys and girls, there may be subtle differences in how traits appear. Because traditional diagnostic models were developed based on male traits, some of the ways autism manifests in girls may be overlooked or recognized later.
It’s important to note that boys and girls can exhibit the same behaviors, but certain tendencies may be more common in girls. These differences don’t mean that all girls experience autism this way, nor that boys don’t exhibit these traits—just that patterns may vary across individuals.
1. Social Masking: "Blending In" to Navigate Social Situations
Both boys and girls with autism can engage in "masking," or consciously adapting their behavior to fit in socially. However, research suggests that girls may be more likely to engage in masking at an early age. This may include:
Copying peers’ speech patterns, gestures, and behaviors
Maintaining eye contact even when it feels uncomfortable
Suppressing stimming behaviors (like fidgeting or rocking) in public
Memorizing social scripts to navigate conversations
While masking can be a coping strategy, it can also lead to stress, exhaustion, and anxiety over time.
2. Special Interests May Seem More “Typical”
Many autistic individuals develop deep, passionate interests, and while these often overlap, certain themes may be more common in boys versus girls, and vice versa. For example, more boys may be drawn to topics like trains, numbers, or video games, while more girls may have a strong focus on animals, literature, or specific fictional characters.
Because interests more common in girls often align with those of their peers, they may not immediately be recognized as a trait for autism. However, the level of intensity and focus is what often sets them apart, making it important to understand and support each child's unique way of engaging with the world.
3. Sensory Sensitivities and Responses
Sensory sensitivities are common in both boys and girls with autism, but responses may differ.
Common sensitivities include:
Certain fabric textures (tags, seams, synthetic materials)
Strong smells (perfume, cleaning products, certain foods)
Loud or overlapping noises (cafeterias, concerts, crowded places)
While some children may withdraw from overwhelming environments, others may push through discomfort, leading to sensory overload and later exhaustion or shutdowns. It may be more common in girls to internalize their distress, making it less visible to others.
4. Emotional Sensitivity & Mental Health Considerations
Many autistic individuals experience emotions deeply, but expressing or processing them in expected ways can sometimes be challenging. Some individuals, particularly girls and women, may:
Feel emotions intensely, making certain interactions feel overwhelming
Experience exhaustion or need downtime after navigating social situations ("masking")
Face difficulties with emotional regulation, which may sometimes be misidentified as anxiety, depression, or ADHD
Because these experiences are often internalized rather than outwardly disruptive, these traits, which are more common in girls, may be overlooked or mistaken for personality traits like being "shy" or "sensitive." Recognizing these emotional needs can help provide the right support for self-regulation and well-being.
Women Leading the Way in Autism Awareness
Thankfully, many incredible autistic women and female advocates have helped change the conversation around autism, including:
Temple Grandin: A scientist, author, and advocate, Temple Grandin has helped millions understand autism from a first-person perspective.
Dr. Camilla Pang: An autistic scientist and award-winning author, Dr. Pang uses her unique way of thinking to explain human behavior through a scientific lens.
Dr. Judith Gould: A leading autism researcher, Dr. Gould played a key role in understanding how autism presents in females, helping improve identification criteria.
Greta Thunberg: Widely known for her climate activism, Thunberg has been open about her autism, helping reduce stigma and celebrate neurodiversity.
Behavior Frontiers: A Female-Founded Company Committed to Inclusion
Behavior Frontiers was founded by Helen Mader, M.A., BCBA in 2004, on the belief that every child with autism deserves the opportunity to live in a world without limits. Dedicated to making personalized, research-backed ABA therapy accessible to families everywhere, we believe in early identification, intervention, and support for ALL individuals—regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background.
We recognize that autism in girls and women has been overlooked for too long, and we’re committed to helping families, educators, and professionals understand the full spectrum of autism presentations. Our approach is rooted in personalized, research-backed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed to support each individual's unique strengths and challenges.
Think your child may have autism, or looking for the right therapist to support your child’s unique journey? Schedule a free consultation with our compassionate, expert team by calling us at 888-922-2843 or by filling out the form on our website here.