Girls and Women on the Autism Spectrum

Although boys are approximately four times more likely to receive a diagnosis of autism than girls, current research indicates the actual prevalence of girls with autism may be higher than previously thought. In the absence of significant intellectual or behavioural problems, girls with autistic traits are more likely to remain undiagnosed.

A review of literature into the diagnosis of girls with autism by Gould and Ashton-Smith (2011) has indicated that an explanation for this disparity may be attributed to the unique female skill of unconsciously ‘masking’ their limitations in social understanding, social communication and social imagination.