Autism has long been regarded as a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects boys, but recent research and clinical observations suggest that autism in women may have been significantly underestimated, with a growing number of women only receiving a diagnosis in adulthood.
Researchers say that traditional diagnostic criteria for autism were largely developed based on male presentations of the condition, resulting in many female patients being overlooked. While the autism male-to-female ratio was traditionally believed to be around 4:1, some recent studies estimate it may be closer to 2:1, suggesting that the number of autistic women could be far higher than previously recognised.
Clinical psychologist Tamara May said that many girls demonstrate apparent social skills, are able to maintain friendships, and often learn to fit into social groups by observing and imitating the behaviour of others. As a result, their autistic traits can remain undetected for years.
Experts also note that many women are instead misdiagnosed with conditions such as depression, social anxiety disorder, or personality disorders, preventing them from receiving appropriate autism-specific support.
As research in the field continues to evolve, specialists hope to challenge the stereotype that autism is primarily associated with boys and promote more inclusive diagnostic frameworks, allowing more women to be identified and supported at an earlier stage.