Autism In Girls: (Do YOU Do Masking?)

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Masking for girls on the autism spectrum is a big issue that can cause bigger problems when trying to diagnose girls with autism. Autism in girls is currently less commonly diagnosed as it is in boys, this may be due to a few factors. Autism being a relatively new diagnosis the medical industry are trying to play catch up and get educated on the autism spectrum disorder. Autism is girls is now after all this time being looked at as a slightly different diagnostic criteria because of the masking trait that girls with autism usually posses.

Getting a Diagnosis as a Woman on the Autism Spectrum, with Becca Lory




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In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Becca Lory, director of development for GRASP (Global & Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership). Becca is a great neurodiversity advocate, and tells the story of her journey, from struggling in school and work, to dealing with severe depression, to an initial misdiagnosis of schizophrenia, to finally receiving a diagnosis of Asperger’s at the age of 35. Decca also discusses the unique challenges women have to receive an autism diagnosis.




Three different generations of women living with autism




Women and autism

Women and autism




We often hear about autism in men, but rarely in women. The Feed looks at three different generations of women living with autism and how the stigma of the condition is amplified.




International Women’s Day – do women on the autism spectrum get the support they need? Take our poll! #womensday




International Women's Day and Autism

International Women’s Day and Autism

Wednesday sees the commemoration of International Women’s Day.




Over the last few months i have been involved in a number of conversations about women and autism.

Two questions came up repeatedly.

Firstly – how difficult it is for women to be diagnosed with autism? (Currently in the UK 80% of those diagnosed with autism in the UK are male.) Secondly the lack of services specially designed for and provided to females on the autism spectrum.

So I was wondering if this experience was more universal that just London. I’d really like to know the opinions of others.

Thus I’ve set up a one question poll to find out if women on the autism spectrum are getting the services they need. It would be really great if you could take part.

Secondly we would love to hear the voices of autistic women. It would be great if you could share your story ( or the story of a female loved one with autism) in the comments section below.

Many thanks in advance.





The Real Reason You Don’t Think I’m Autistic – by Kaelynn Partlow




The Real Reason You don't Think I'm Autistic - a guest post from Kaelynn Partlow

The Real Reason You don’t Think I’m Autistic – a guest post from Kaelynn Partlow




When I tell people I’m on the autism spectrum, the reaction I most commonly receive is disbelief. In the past, people have responded by saying things like, “wow! I would’ve never guessed!” Or, “really? Are you sure?”

The reason people are so shocked to find out I’m autistic, is because I don’t fit into their stereotypical view of a developmentally disabled person. I’m tall, thin and blonde. I have brown eyes and my hair is long and straight. The fact that I am female means I’m less likely to have an autism diagnosis, however, I am indeed quite sure that I do have a professional diagnosis. Despite the fact that I don’t “look” autistic.

What does an autistic person look like anyways? The answer is, they look like everyone else. Autistic people come from all ethnic backgrounds, in every shape and size. However, let’s address the stereotype image.

When we ask society what an autistic person looks like, we get a different answer. The person society has pictured is often a person with shorter, messy hair. They often wear baggy athletic clothes. The person that society imagines, is often nonverbal or limited in speech. This person “doesn’t like to be around people”.

This is the stereotype that people imagine when they think of an autistic person. It is incorrect, and harmful. Autistic people, like everyone else, can have an endless variety of wardrobe, hair styles and social preferences.

To further address this stereotypical image, the reason some autistics prefer shorter hair and loose clothing is due to sensory difficulties. As the saying goes, “once you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.” No two are exactly alike! Meaning that just because one person may dislike brushing and keeping up with long hair, doesn’t mean another wouldn’t mind. Some people like loose fitting clothing, while others like their clothes to fit tightly.

The diagnostic criteria has expanded to include people who are not verbally limited. So next time you hear about someone’s autism diagnosis, please don’t react with shock or disbelief. Instead, acknowledge and affirm their statement.