Why does Autism often get overlooked in girls?​

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Autism in girls looks different than autism in boys. Traditional diagnostic criteria were developed based on male traits, meaning girls who mask their struggles or display subtler signs may go undiagnosed.

 

Autistic girls tend to:

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• Mask symptoms by mimicking peers and forcing eye contact.

• Show social motivation but struggle with deeper connections.

• Have more ‘typical’ special interests (e.g., books, animals) that don’t raise red flags.

• Internalize struggles through anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing instead of acting out.

• Tolerate sensory discomfort longer to avoid standing out.

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​Because of these differences, many autistic girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety or ADHD—or not diagnosed at all. Our specialized testing ensures their unique traits are recognized so they get the support they need.

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What are some of the common signs of ASD in girls?​

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Autism in girls often looks different from the more widely recognized signs seen in boys. Here are some common indicators:

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Social & Communication Differences

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• Struggling with making or keeping friends despite wanting them

• Mimicking social behaviors to "blend in" but finding interactions exhausting

• Preferring one-on-one interactions over group settings

• Using scripted phrases or rehearsed responses in conversation

• Difficulty understanding social cues, sarcasm, or unwritten rules

• May appear shy, withdrawn, or overly accommodating

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Behavioral & Emotional Traits

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• Strong emotions but difficulty expressing or regulating them

• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, or intense fear of making mistakes

• Internalizing distress, leading to anxiety or depression

• Tending to be quiet or well-behaved at school but having meltdowns at home

• Struggling with transitions or unexpected changes in routine

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Special Interests & Routines

• Deep, intense interests that may seem typical (e.g., books, animals, characters) but are highly focused and immersive

• Enjoying repetitive activities (e.g., rereading the same book, drawing the same subject)

• Creating highly structured imaginary worlds or role-playing scenarios

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Sensory Sensitivities

• Easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures

• Highly sensitive to clothing, food textures, or specific smells

• Can appear clumsy or avoid certain physical activities due to motor coordination challenges

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Masking & Coping Strategies

• Hiding difficulties in public but feeling exhausted or emotionally drained at home

• Adapting behaviors to fit in but feeling "different" or like they’re pretending

• Developing coping mechanisms that delay diagnosis, often until adolescence or adulthood

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Because these signs are often subtle and well-masked, many autistic girls go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or ADHD. A specialized evaluation can help uncover the full picture and provide the right support.​