Understanding Autistic Women: 6 Must-Reads for Clinicians

There is a lost generation of Autistic women out here. Many of whom are finally coming to self-understanding and seeking support. With the flurry of autistic awareness, it has left patients and clinicians alike scrambling to catch up. We're living at the edge of emergent research, so whether you are a clinician or Autistic yourself, it's normal to feel a bit lost.

Here is a roundup of must-reads for clinicians seeking to advance their understanding of Autistic women:

Autistic Women: Roundup of Peer-Review Articles

Here is a roundup of peer-reviewed articles that have deepened my understanding of Autistic women.

'I was exhausted trying to figure it out': The experiences of females receiving an autism diagnosis in middle to late adulthood"

This phenomenological study captures the experience of women diagnosed late in life. It highlights themes associated with the post-diagnosis process.

Finding the True Number of Females with Autistic Spectrum Disorder by Estimating the Biases in Initial Recognition and Clinical Diagnosis

The researcher argues that once gender bias is factored in, the male to female Autistic ratio is 3:4 (meaning more Autistic females!). The article further suggests that 80% of Autistic females remain undiagnosed by age 18.

The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: a Narrative Review

This article provides a thorough overview of the Female Autistic Phenotype. This is an essential read for people doing assessments!

Physical health of Autistic Girls and Women: A Scoping Review

This article provides an overview of the health risks Autistic women experience and provides helpful recommendations for medical providers.

Non-Peer Reviewed Sources

Females with Autism: An Unofficial List

I find it a helpful clinical tool, and I will often send my clients to this list if we are beginning to suspect they may be Autistic. This list was developed by Samantha Craft and includes common Autistic experiences/traits among women. While not medically validated, I have found this list insightful and resonates with many Autistic women and girls.

Neurodivergent Minds

This was one of the first books I read during my self-discovery process and remains my favorite go-to resource. This book covers much more than Autism (ADHD, HSP, sensory processing, and more). This is a great book to provide clients if they are beginning to consider being neurodivergent.

Final Reflection: I am thankful for the Female Autistic Phenotype and the emergent research bridging the gender gap. However, it's also important to remember that many Autistic people assigned female at birth (AFAB) do not fall into the gender binary. And many (but not all) of the constructs discussed in the above articles will also apply to Autistic, AFAB genderqueer people.