A revolutionary study backed by the NHS has exposed a critical gap in autism diagnosis, revealing that millions of girls and women across England are living with undiagnosed autism due to assessment methods primarily designed for boys.
The research, conducted by a team at University College London, indicates that current diagnostic tests are failing to identify autism in females, creating a hidden health crisis that prevents women from accessing vital support and understanding their neurological differences.
Why Female Autism Goes Unrecognised
Traditional autism assessments focus on typically male presentations of the condition, overlooking how autism manifests differently in girls and women. Females often develop more sophisticated social masking techniques that camouflage their autistic traits from healthcare professionals and educators.
The study suggests that autism may be equally prevalent among women but remains significantly underdiagnosed due to this gender bias in recognition methods.
The Impact of Late Diagnosis
Women who receive autism diagnoses later in life report profound relief at finally understanding their experiences, but many face decades of struggle without appropriate support. The research highlights how undiagnosed autistic women are more vulnerable to:
- Mental health challenges including anxiety and depression
- Employment difficulties and workplace discrimination
- Social isolation and relationship challenges
- Being misdiagnosed with other conditions
Call for Diagnostic Reform
The findings have prompted urgent calls for the NHS to overhaul its autism assessment protocols to better recognise how the condition presents across different genders. Researchers are advocating for:
- Gender-informed assessment tools specifically designed for women
- Enhanced training for healthcare professionals in recognising female autism
- Greater awareness campaigns targeting schools and parents
- Improved access to diagnostic services for adults
This research represents a potential turning point in how autism is understood and diagnosed in England, promising better outcomes for the millions of women who have previously slipped through the diagnostic net.
