Women with autism spectrum disorders present with a complex social and behavioral profile that can differ from men. It is important to understand some of the diagnostic differences between women and men so that we can help empower women with autism spectrum disorders not only to address their individual needs but also to help create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society for all. These differences can present themselves in how they both experience the world, as well as how they are perceived by others. Women with autism may experience societal pressures to conform to social norms, leading to increased anxiety and a higher likelihood of being misunderstood or overlooked in various settings. By providing tailored support and resources, we can empower these women to recognize their strengths, build self-confidence, and advocate for their needs. Ultimately enabling them to thrive in a world that often marginalizes their experiences while providing them with a better quality of life.
Women with autism are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life compared to men. This is partly because symptoms of autism in women can be more subtle or masked by social conditioning or “camouflaging” (Milner, McIntosh, Covert & Happé, 2019). This is a technique where women disguise their autistic traits to fit in socially, and they either mimic or learn socially acceptable behavior to fit in with the neurotypical world. Long-term studies have shown that while women with autism are successful at camouflaging, they report feeling constant exhaustion and a lack of a sense of identity (Bargiela, Steward & Mandy, 2016), which has been linked to an increase in self-reported stress and anxiety in comparison to men who do not camouflage (Cage & Troxell-Whitman, 2019; Hull et al., 2017). Another diagnostic difference between women and men with autism is that women report fewer social and communication difficulties than men (Lai et al., 2011; 2015) and are more able to demonstrate reciprocal conversation. Women are also more motivated to initiate friendships than men on the spectrum are. The repetitive behaviors that females with autism adopt also appear less unusual, focusing on topics like those of their neurotypical peers (Gould & Ashton-Smith, 2011). These repetitive interests are in areas that are more socially acceptable or appear to be more “typical,” such as animals, movies, or fashion. As a result, their interests may not be recognized as a sign of autism.
Supporting women with autism helps to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about autism, particularly the notion that autism primarily affects males. This can lead to greater societal acceptance and inclusion, reducing stigma and creating more opportunities for women with autism to participate fully in all aspects of life. Historically, autism has been viewed through a male-centric lens, leading to the misconception that it primarily affects boys and men. Supporting women with autism brings attention to how autism manifests differently in females while helping to challenge the stereotype that autism is a “male condition” (Wisniewski, nd).
Research has shown that women with autism are at a higher risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout (Lai et al., 2019; Yau, Anderson & Smith, 2023). This is often due to the stress of masking their autism and coping with societal expectations and overall feeling misunderstood. Empowering women and providing them with appropriate support can significantly improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Providing specialized access to mental health resources and creating environments where women can openly discuss and address these challenges is vital. It is essential to offer access to mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by women on the spectrum, where regular mental health check-ins and personalized therapy sessions can help manage these challenges.
Another area that has empowered and supported women with autism in forming their identity is social media (Bargiela, Steward & Mandy, 2016). Social media has provided women with autism the ability to connect with other women on the spectrum, and they are able to form connections and identities based on their special interests rather than traditional societal norms for women (Harmens, Sedgewick & Hobson, 2022). Social media platforms provide a space where women with autism can share their experiences, connect with others, and find a sense of community. Online communities, forums, and groups on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X can help break down feelings of isolation by creating networks of individuals with similar challenges and strengths. Research has indicated that social media provides several benefits for women with autism, particularly in terms of communication, connection, and self-expression. This was evident by a study performed at the A.J. Drexel University Autism Institute (https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/), which concluded that many women with autism prefer online communication because it offers more control over their interactions. It helps them to engage in conversations at their own pace and helps to reduce anxiety, typically associated with face-to-face interactions and the unpredictability of in-person conversations (Koteyko, 2023; McGhee-Hassrick, 2021). Additionally, social media was noted to help women with autism form more meaningful social connections, maintain relationships, and pursue special interests more frequently. Overall, social media serves as a double-edged sword for women with autism while offering valuable spaces for connection and advocacy while also presenting challenges such as difficulties interpreting social cues online and the potential for social media to exacerbate anxiety. While social media provides many benefits, it is essential to acknowledge the potential challenges, such as online harassment or misunderstandings related to the interpretation of social cues. However, with the right support, many women with autism find social media to be a powerful tool for feeling connected and supported.
Supporting women on the spectrum requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their needs and challenges. While social media and mental health services are vital, they alone are not enough. Tailored social programs, inclusive social communities, and encouraging self-expression can also be effective in empowering women with autism. These programs focus on fostering social skills and self-advocacy and building supportive communities where women can express themselves and be surrounded by other women who are going through similar challenges. There are several organizations that specifically focus on these issues, for example, the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (AWN)( https://awnnetwork.org/), the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) (https://aane.org/), and Felicity House in New York City (https://felicity-house.org). These organizations combined offer women with autism mentorship and tailored programs to offer emotional support, advice, and guidance through different life stages, such as education, employment, and relationships. They focus on peer-to-peer support, empowerment, and navigating gender identity and autism. They run mentoring programs, publish articles, and provide a platform for women with autism and their shared experiences.
Empowering and supporting women on the spectrum is crucial, not only to support their mental health and overall wellbeing but also to break down barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions about women. The differences between women and men on the spectrum highlight the importance that autism can manifest differently based on gender and individual characteristics. Tailored support and recognition of these differences are essential for providing appropriate care and improving the quality of life for both women and men. Supporting women with autism can help develop greater independence and self-advocacy skills, which, in turn, will not only improve the quality of their lives but will improve upon societal understanding of autism. Addressing these areas and empowering women to make informed decisions about their lives, advocate for their needs, and pursue their goals with confidence will lead them to better navigate their world authentically.
Jill Krata, PhD, CLC, is the Owner of Evolve Autism and Family Coaching. For more information, please email DrJill@evolveautismandfamilycoaching.com.
References
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