For decades, the understanding of autism has been shaped by research and public awareness focused mainly on white, cisgender boys. This narrow view left countless women and girls undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. The result has been years of confusion, mental health struggles, and missed opportunities for support.
Today, new research and growing awareness are revealing what many have long suspected: autism and other forms of neurodiversity, such as ADHD, do not present the same way in everyone.
A History of Exclusion
Women were and are often left out of early studies on mental and physical health, including autism and ADHD. One pervasive belief held by early researchers was that hormonal fluctuations in women would “contaminate” or complicate data sets, leading to their removal from studies entirely. This created a diagnostic system built on an incomplete picture of autism.
This misogynistic assumption not only narrowed the understanding of these conditions but also set the stage for a diagnostic system that failed to capture the lived experiences of half the population. Only within the last 5–10 years has there been a meaningful effort to include women in neurodevelopmental research—and that effort is still far from complete.
Signs That Are Easy to Miss
Diagnostic criteria were developed around traits most visible in boys, such as:
- Difficulty with social communication
- Repetitive behaviors
- Narrow, highly focused interests
Girls often present differently. They may:
- Mask their differences by copying peers or scripting conversations
- Hide natural stims or sensory needs
- Push through overwhelming environments to appear “typical”
Masking can protect them socially, but it often leads to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
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ADHD Differences More Common in Women
Social conditioning adds another layer. From an early age, many girls are encouraged to be agreeable, nurturing, and emotionally aware. These expectations push autistic girls to suppress authentic responses and force interactions that may feel overwhelming.
ADHD in women is often just as overlooked. Instead of obvious hyperactivity, it may appear as:
- Daydreaming or inattentiveness
- Emotional overwhelm
- Difficulty with organization or follow-through
These quieter traits are frequently misread as mood disorders or personality issues rather than signs of neurodiversity.
Moving Toward Inclusive Support
A clearer and more compassionate understanding of autism in women is finally emerging. Recognizing the diversity of neurodiverse expression allows for:
- Better assessments and more accurate diagnoses
- Validating lived experiences
- Access to effective therapy, coaching, and community
For many late diagnosed autistic or ADHD women, receiving a correct diagnosis opens the door to healing and self-acceptance. At The Atypical View, we believe that understanding these differences is the first step toward creating supportive spaces where every individual can thrive.
Expanding awareness is not just about medical accuracy—it is about offering tools for growth and connection. Whether through therapy, coaching, or simply finding community within the neurodiverse world, no one should feel misunderstood.
In a future blog, we’ll continue this conversation by looking at the misdiagnosis of autism and neurodivergence in socio-economical and racial minorities, exploring this deeply underrepresented and misunderstood population in neurodiversity research.
