High-Functioning Autism in Women: Signs, Challenges, and the Importance of Assessment
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents differently in women than in men, often leading to late or missed diagnoses. Women with high-functioning autism (previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome) may develop unique coping mechanisms that mask their challenges, making it harder for clinicians, educators, and even family members to recognize their needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper identification and support.
How Autism Presents Differently in Women
Research suggests that autistic women and girls are more likely to engage in “camouflaging” or “masking” (Lai et al., 2017). This means they consciously or unconsciously mimic neurotypical behaviors, which can make their autism less visible. Some key characteristics of high-functioning autism in women include:
Social Difficulties – Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, yet a strong desire to connect with others.
Special Interests – Deep, intense interests that may be more socially acceptable (e.g., literature, psychology, fashion) compared to the stereotypical interests seen in autistic men (e.g., trains, technology, or mechanics).
Sensory Sensitivities – Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, textures, or smells, often leading to sensory overload.
Emotional Regulation Challenges – Struggles with managing emotions, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Camouflaging Behaviors – Copying social behaviors, scripting conversations, or mimicking facial expressions to fit in, often at the expense of their mental well-being.
Challenges of Late Diagnosis
Because of these masking behaviors, many autistic women are not diagnosed until adulthood (Hull et al., 2020). A late diagnosis can mean years of misunderstanding, mental health struggles, and difficulty accessing appropriate support. Without a formal diagnosis, women may experience:
Misdiagnosis with conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), generalized anxiety disorder, or depression (Lai & Baron-Cohen, 2015).
Chronic exhaustion and autistic burnout due to years of masking.
Challenges in workplace settings, where social and sensory difficulties may be misinterpreted as poor performance or lack of confidence.
Relationship difficulties due to differences in communication and social expectations.
Why Seeking an Assessment is Important
Understanding one’s neurodivergence can be life-changing. A formal assessment provides clarity, validation, and access to support tailored to autistic needs. It allows individuals to:
Access workplace accommodations and academic support.
Learn coping strategies that are suited to their unique neurology.
Connect with autism-friendly communities and resources.
Develop self-compassion and embrace their authentic selves.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have high-functioning autism, seeking an assessment with a qualified clinical psychologist is the first step toward better understanding and support.
Book an Assessment with UK Inkind Psychology
At UK Inkind Psychology, we specialize in autism assessments for adults and children. If you’d like to book an assessment, you can do so by clicking the Book Now button at the top of the page.
References
Hull, L., Petrides, K.V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.C., & Mandy, W. (2020). "Putting on My Best Normal": Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(2), 475-494.
Lai, M. C., Lombardo, M. V., Ruigrok, A. N., Chakrabarti, B., Wheelwright, S. J., Auyeung, B., ... & Baron-Cohen, S. (2017). Quantifying and exploring camouflaging in men and women with autism. Autism, 21(6), 690-702.
Lai, M. C., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Identifying the lost generation of adults with autism spectrum conditions. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(11), 1013-1027.