Tel: 07505089635 | 07759327039
Autism and Girls Articles
Autism has traditionally been seen as a predominantly male condition. However, there is now increasing recognition that autism can present very differently — and often more subtly — in females.
In many cases, difficulties with social communication in girls may be less obvious, meaning they can easily go unnoticed or be misunderstood.
To learn more, explore the resources below:
Keeping it inside
Understanding the Internal Presentation of Autism — and Why It’s Often Missed
Discover why autism is so often overlooked, especially in those who present internally.
This essential white paper from the Autistic Girls Network is a must-read for parents, educators, health professionals, and those working in social care.
Flying under the radar
Produced by nasen (the National Association for Special Educational Needs), this guide is designed to:
-
Explore the discussion around autism and gender
-
Highlight key challenges faced by girls with autism spectrum conditions
-
Offer practical, school-based support strategies
-
Share insights from families, professionals, and academic research
Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare professional, this resource provides valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you better understand and support autistic girls.
Autistic people and masking
An article by the National Autistic Society: Autistic masking refers to the strategies autistic people use to hide or minimize their autistic traits in order to fit in with others. This can involve suppressing stimming behaviors, imitating social behaviors, or hiding sensory sensitivities. Masking often helps autistic individuals avoid bullying or exclusion, but it can come at a significant cost to their mental health, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and even delayed diagnosis. Professionals are encouraged to recognize the impact of masking, create supportive environments, and value authenticity over conformity to social norms.
Coming soon