Research has found that autistic girls are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis than their male counterparts, with boys being four times more likely to be diagnosed before the age of 10. The study, which analyzed data from over 2.7 million people born in Sweden between 1985 and 2020, suggests that women and girls may actually have higher rates of autism but are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later due to biases in diagnosis.
According to the research, girls were on average four years older than boys when they received their diagnosis, with a median age at diagnosis of 15.9 for girls versus 13.1 for boys. While boys were three to four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism under the age of 10, girls eventually caught up by the time they were 20.
Experts say that this disparity is largely due to "systemic biases in diagnosis" rather than a true gap in incidence. The study's lead author, Dr Caroline Fyfe, notes that women and girls may be more likely to mask their symptoms, making it harder for healthcare professionals to identify them as having autism.
Autism charities are calling for greater awareness and action to address the underdiagnosis of autistic women and girls. They argue that gender should never be a barrier to receiving an autism diagnosis and access to support.
As one expert noted, "autistic women have different experiences to autistic boys" and have been overlooked for far too long. With longer waiting lists for diagnoses and assessments, many autistic women are being forced to self-advocate to access the support they need.
The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be more aware of autism in women and girls, particularly when assessing patients with mental health problems. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of autism in all individuals, regardless of gender, we can ensure that everyone receives a timely diagnosis and access to the right support.
According to the research, girls were on average four years older than boys when they received their diagnosis, with a median age at diagnosis of 15.9 for girls versus 13.1 for boys. While boys were three to four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism under the age of 10, girls eventually caught up by the time they were 20.
Experts say that this disparity is largely due to "systemic biases in diagnosis" rather than a true gap in incidence. The study's lead author, Dr Caroline Fyfe, notes that women and girls may be more likely to mask their symptoms, making it harder for healthcare professionals to identify them as having autism.
Autism charities are calling for greater awareness and action to address the underdiagnosis of autistic women and girls. They argue that gender should never be a barrier to receiving an autism diagnosis and access to support.
As one expert noted, "autistic women have different experiences to autistic boys" and have been overlooked for far too long. With longer waiting lists for diagnoses and assessments, many autistic women are being forced to self-advocate to access the support they need.
The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be more aware of autism in women and girls, particularly when assessing patients with mental health problems. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of autism in all individuals, regardless of gender, we can ensure that everyone receives a timely diagnosis and access to the right support.
I'm not surprised by this study at all, it's just another example of how the system is rigged against women and girls from the get go. The fact that autistic girls are being diagnosed later than boys just because they're more likely to "mask" their symptoms makes total sense. It's like, what even is the point of having a diagnosis if you can't even be yourself around a doctor? 
And don't even get me started on the waiting lists for diagnoses and assessments... it's like they expect autistic women to just figure it out all by themselves. Like, good luck with that. 
The whole thing feels like a big mess, but at least now we know the problem is real, right? 
this is so sad for autistic girls and women who are being underdiagnosed and overlooked for far too long 
their experiences are different from boys and it's crazy that they're having to self-advocate just to get the help they need 
healthcare professionals need to be more aware of autism in all individuals, not just boys 
I mean, autistic girls are literally being left behind because people think they're not showing the "right" signs. It's like, girls with autism are more likely to hide their symptoms or act out because they don't want to be seen as different. And then when they do get diagnosed, it's so much later than boys. Like, 4 years later! That's a big gap.
i did it last weekend with my sis and we had such a blast mixing the dough and shaping the noodles it was like a little competition who could make the most creative ones lol my sister is literally an artist now thanks to all the time spent on pasta 
anyway back to this autism thing i feel so bad for autistic girls they deserve just as much recognition and support as anyone else 
u know what would be awesome though if we could have a special "autistic girl day" or something to raise awareness about it 
. Four years older than boys? That's wild. It's like they're being ignored or something. And what really gets me is that this isn't even a new issue... we've known about this disparity for ages, and yet nothing seems to be changing.
It's wild that they're four times less likely to get diagnosed than their male counterparts before 10... like, what even is going on? 
I feel like we need more awareness and education about autism in women and girls - it's not just a boys' thing anymore. We should be celebrating our autistic sisters for who they are! 
! And it's not just the diagnosis thing, it's also the whole "masking their symptoms" thing that makes it even harder for healthcare professionals to detect. Like, what a catch-22, right? They need help because they're hiding their true selves... I don't know how much more of this I can take 
. It's so unfair that these women are getting left behind because of biases in the system 
. We need to make sure all kids, regardless of gender, get the help they need ASAP 
. And it's not just about them, but their families too...the stress and uncertainty must be overwhelming 
So why can't we just acknowledge that and support them instead of shaming their behavior? 
. We need better awareness and training for healthcare staff to recognize autism in all individuals, regardless of gender 
.
. They're getting diagnosed 4 yrs later than boys, which is wild 
We can't just assume that all autistic women fit the same mold as boys do... or can we? 
from doctors who just don't see it coming. And then you have these girls who are literally DYING to help others, but can't even get a diagnosis themselves because they're "too calm" 
. It's like, hello! Autism is not about being loud or obnoxious, it's about needing support and acceptance, regardless of your gender 
so like if autistic girls are less likely to get diagnosed cuz they mask their symps... its not because there more autistic girls than boys, but just the way it is 
we need 2 be more aware of autism in women & girls, and change the game for self-advocacy 
. i made a little diagram to sum it up 
. But autism charities keep saying that girls just "mask" their symptoms and it's hard for healthcare pros to spot 'em 
... can't we get past this stigma already?! 