Overview

• Autism diagnostic criteria have historically been based on male presentations, creating a significant blind spot for identifying girls with autism.
• Girls often mask their autism through social camouflaging, mimicking peers to fit in, which delays or obscures diagnosis.
• Key signs in girls include intense interests in people or characters, sensory sensitivities often mistaken for anxiety, and perfectionism causing distress.
• Girls with autism are diagnosed on average six years later than boys, often after being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
• Experts are advocating for revised diagnostic tools and increased clinical awareness to address these gender disparities and ensure earlier support.