A recent study, “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Autistic Women: A Thematic Synthesis” (Gosling, Hartley, & Purrington, 2024), brings much-needed attention to the unique challenges faced by autistic women. By analysing the experiences of hundreds of autistic women across 10 studies, the researchers identified recurring themes that shape the daily experiences of autistic women, including struggles in education and employment, difficulties with diagnosis, inadequate services, and challenges in interpersonal relationships.

The School Years: Misunderstood and Overlooked

For many autistic women, school is a place of partial exclusion rather than inclusion. The study highlights how many autistic girls struggle with social expectations, sensory overload, and bullying. Unlike their male counterparts, who may exhibit more overt signs of autism, girls often mask or camouflage their difficulties, mimicking social behaviours to fit in. This can lead to their struggles being overlooked by teachers and specialists, delaying diagnosis until adulthood—when they may seek answers after, for example, their own children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Employment Challenges: Unmet Potential

Autistic women are significantly less likely to be in paid employment compared to neurotypical women. The workplace, much like the school environment, is often built on unspoken social rules and rigid structures that can be challenging for autistic individuals. Many women report struggling with workplace expectations, sensory challenges, and social interactions, leading to burnout, job instability, and working below their level of knowledge or education. The research highlights a crucial mismatch between societal expectations and the strengths of autistic individuals—suggesting that workplaces need better accommodations and awareness to support neurodivergent employees.

Diagnosis: A Long and Difficult Road

Another finding of the study is the difficulty autistic women face in obtaining a diagnosis. Many are first misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders, as healthcare providers often fail to recognize autism’s presentation in women. Historically, diagnostic tools have been developed based on studies of autistic men and boys, meaning many women do not fit the traditional mold of what autism is “supposed” to look like. As a result, countless autistic women spend years—sometimes decades—searching for answers.

Service Gaps: Falling Through the Cracks

Even after receiving a diagnosis, autistic women frequently encounter a lack of appropriate supports. Many professionals are not adequately trained to support autistic women, and resources that do exist are often designed with male presentations of autism in mind. Critical issues like autistic burnout, masking or camouflaging, and social exhaustion are under-researched and rarely adequately addressed in clinical settings. The study underscores the need for gender-specific research and interventions to ensure autistic women receive the support they need.

Interpersonal Relationships: The Weight of Masking

The social world can be exhausting for autistic women. Many feel pressure to mask or camouflage their autistic traits—mimicking neurotypical behaviours to fit in. While this can help them navigate social situations, it often leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. Additionally, the study highlights another sad reality: Autistic women are at a higher risk of experiencing abuse and exploitation in relationships. This underscores the urgent need for better education and protective measures to support their safety and well-being.

Autism in Women Is Not Just a Trend—We Must Do Better

The rising number of autistic women receiving diagnoses does not mean autism is a new or trendy label—it means we are finally beginning to recognize what has been there all along. It follows a similar pattern to rates of left-handedness increasing following the lifting of the stigma and bans on left-handedness. Society, researchers, and clinicians must do better in supporting autistic women.

• Clinicians need better training to recognise autism in women and avoid misdiagnosis.
• Researchers need to prioritise studies on autistic women’s experiences, including the long-term effects of masking and burnout.
• Society must move beyond stereotypes and create inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and support services.

Autistic women have long been left out of the conversation. It’s time to listen, learn, and take action.