Although awareness has grown in the last few decades, spotting autism in women isn’t always straightforward. For many years, our understanding of the condition was largely based on male presentations, but we now know that women can display symptoms differently and may even hide their traits. In this post, we’ll cover common signs of autism in women, the concept of masking, and how employers can support autistic female staff.
With any neurological condition or developmental difference, factors like age, sex, gender, and environment can significantly affect how symptoms are presented. In the same way that women with ADHD tend to show more inattentive symptoms than men, women with autism often display different patterns from their male counterparts.
As far as we can tell, around 700,000 people in the UK have autism; however, this number only reflects those who have received a formal diagnosis, meaning the true figure could be much higher.
You may hear autism referred to by its medical name, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This reflects the idea of autism being a spectrum, with each person experiencing their own unique combination of traits and challenges.
The following are common symptoms of autism in adult women. Bear in mind that, as autism is a spectrum and women often hide traits, not all autistic females will display these symptoms:
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Sometimes, subtler signs of autism in women may be dismissed or overlooked. For example, a woman with autism might:
Find friendships difficult: Some women with autism find it hard to make or maintain friendships due to difficulties with social interaction. They might prefer to be alone or struggle to enjoy a friend’s company due to their need to adhere to specific routines.
Appear shy or quiet: Some autistic females may actively choose to contribute less to conversations, and therefore be perceived as shy. This can stem from a fear of saying the wrong thing or experiencing difficulty with eye contact.
Blunt Communication: People with autism often communicate in a direct and honest manner, which can sometimes come across as blunt or overly straightforward. This may be more noticeable in nuanced conversations or casual small talk.
In the past, it was thought that men were more likely to have autism, due to the higher number of males diagnosed. Yet, it turns out, women may just be better at “masking”. So, what is masking, and why is it important to be aware of?
Masking is the conscious or unconscious act of camouflaging autistic traits to blend in with neurotypical peers. Many women with autism develop masking strategies from a young age, often as a response to societal expectations and the pressure to “fit in”.
For some, masking can become so ingrained that they don’t even realise they’re doing it — it may feel like the only way to navigate the world. They might force themselves to maintain eye contact despite discomfort, laugh along with jokes they don’t understand, or study social interactions like a script to avoid standing out. All of these things can be exhausting for women with autism.
Numerous studies have suggested that women are better at masking their autism symptoms than men, but the full extent of why and how this happens is still being explored.
As mentioned previously, masking can make it difficult to pick up on a person’s autism. Yet, the particular behaviours used to mask the condition — and the effect these can have on an individual — can sometimes be a sign that something deeper is going on.
For example, a female with autism may be more likely to mimic a person’s facial expressions or say what they think the other person wants to hear, without realising that it sounds rehearsed. If done on a regular basis, this may cause exhaustion, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from their true self.
Even if a neurotypical person isn’t aware of the masking behaviour, they might still notice the toll it takes. This could prompt them to check in with the autistic person to find out if they need support.
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Yes. According to the National Autistic Society, it’s estimated that for every three autistic men, there’s one autistic woman. While we know that women can be better at masking their autistic traits, some researchers suggest they may also present autism differently. This is sometimes called the “female autism phenotype”.
If you suspect an employee may be autistic, approach the situation with care and respect for their privacy. Autism is personal, and many go undiagnosed due to masking or lack of awareness.
Unless someone has disclosed their diagnosis or requested accommodations, it’s best not to ask them if they have autism. Instead, try to create an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. Offer flexible arrangements, be open with all staff about reasonable adjustments, create safe spaces for discussion, and provide clear instructions to avoid singling anyone out.
The more inclusive your workplace is, the more comfortable staff will feel voicing their needs.
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