Recognizing Signs of Autism in Women

Autism (autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disability that is typically diagnosed in toddlers under the age of three. It is not gender specific. However, it has been noted that it is becoming common for women to be diagnosed as an adult. It is believed that this may happen because women can mask autistic traits more easily than men. Because of this, in adult women, it is often under-diagnosed.

The fact that it is overlooked can cause frustration for those women who have autism but have been misdiagnosed. These women struggle with relationships sensory issues, and other challenges that cannot be treated because there is no diagnosis. Once they have been diagnosed they find that treatment creates a positive impact on life. This can help with how they perceive themselves as being healthy.

I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14, NASB

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Signs of autism in women

The signs can vary between individuals. This is especially true when comparing the signs in women and men. The signs are typically unique regardless of age or gender. To recognize autism in women it is important to know what signs may indicate autism.

Camouflaging/masking

When it comes to socializing, autistic women tend to mask or camouflage their symptoms by mimicking the behaviors of others. Most autistic women have learned how to change their behavior to fit in with those around them.

People pleasing

Women with autism tend to be more empathetic which will lead to people-pleasing behaviors. Typical signs of people pleasing include seeking approval from others, concern about what others think, over-apologizing for no reason, and low self-esteem.

Scripting

Scripting or echolalia is the process of repeating lines that have been heard. Most autistic women tend to use this type of communication to fit in with peers.

Increased empathy

This is evident when the woman allows herself to feel what others are feeling.

Sensory issues

Women who are autistic often suffer from being overly sensitive to sensory stimuli such as loud noises, rough textures, tastes, and smells.

Stimming

Stimming is the activity of self-stimulating repetitive behavior that happens when a woman with autism is trying to self-regulate overstimulation.

Social withdrawal

Autism is a disorder that tends to hinder the ability to function socially. It makes it hard for women to engage socially because they are unable to respond socially to others.

Communication

It is most often noted that autistic women have communication difficulties such as, can be a delay in language development, repetitive speech, tone difficulty, and inability to use or understand figurative language.

Emotional regulation

Adult women with autism may have difficulty regulating emotions and often experience intense emotional reactions or meltdowns.

Executive function

Women with autism may find it difficult to organize or complete tasks.

Obsessive interests

Autistic women often have special interests that involve heavy research.

Sleep issues

Autism in adult women is often responsible for the inability to sleep due to a sensitivity to noises or even the presence of someone else.

Eye contact difficulties

People with autism find it extremely difficult to make eye contact.

Testing for autism in adult women

There are no medical tests that can be used to diagnose autism. It is most commonly identified through evaluation over time. In adults, this is more challenging because of the ability of a person to mask the behavior.

The best way to find out is to speak with your physician who can help you find the right psychologist. You may have to seek more than one or two opinions before finding one who understands the issue.

Co-occurring conditions

It is common for adult women with autism to have another mental health condition along with it. The top conditions include:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• ADHD – this one may intensify impulsivity and difficulty concentrating.

High- and low-functioning autism in women

Autism in adult women can be termed as high or low functioning, depending on the level of impairments that are present.

High-functioning autism is described as having average or above-average intelligence and language skills. Women with high-functioning autism can also mask adequately enough to make it difficult to diagnose. Some of the signs of high-functioning autism in adult women are:

• Trouble with eye contact.
• High interest in special topics.
• Trouble with changes in routines.
• Sensory sensitivities.

Low-functioning autism is described as having a significant impairment in communication, behavior, and social interaction. The signs of low-functioning autism in adult women are:

• Limited/absent speech.
• Repetitive movements.
• Sensory sensitivities that cause distress.
• Self-injury.
• Skills that are above their intellectual level.

Next steps

Autism in adult women is often hard to diagnose but with the right evaluation, a psychologist can help with diagnosis. Family can help with the evaluation by making note of any behaviors you may have exhibited as a child.

If you feel that you would like to talk to someone about your concerns, reach out to a Christian counselor at Texas Christian Counseling. Through faith-based conversations, they can help you navigate through the evaluations and identify how to manage your symptoms.