Autism Spectrum Disorder in Women: Recognising Patterns, Supporting Wellbeing & Finding Your Path Forward

Why this matters

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often presents differently in women compared to traditional male-based profiles, which can contribute to later or missed diagnosis and delays in accessing appropriate supports. Increasing awareness of these distinct presentations, along with common co-occurring conditions, can assist individuals and families in seeking timely assessment, enhancing self-understanding, and connecting with care that truly meets their needs.

How ASD may present differently in women

While every person’s experience is unique, research and Australian resources highlight some patterns more commonly seen in women:

• Strong ability to social-mask or camouflage autistic traits (e.g., mimicking others, deeply rehearsed social behaviour) 
• Higher internalising difficulties (anxiety, depression, perfectionism) rather than obvious external behaviour challenges.
• Interests or restricted patterns that appear socially acceptable (e.g., animals, literature, beauty, human-relations) but pursued intensely and with deep focus.
• Sensory sensitivities, social fatigue, shutdowns or meltdowns after demanding environments, or being alone to recharge. 

Common co-occurring conditions and important considerations

Autism can exist alongside other neurodevelopmental or health conditions such as:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety disorders (including social anxiety, OCD traits)
• Depression and mood dysregulation
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or pronounced menstrual-cycle linked mood symptoms
• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, ARFID)
• Joint hypermobility / hEDS / Ehlers–Danlos Spectrum / chronic pain/fatigue issues
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features
• Sleep disorders (insomnia, delayed sleep phase)
• Gut/brain interactions — chronic GI issues, IBS, reflux
• Sensory processing disorders, and overlapping neurodevelopmental differences
• Trauma 

When more than one condition is present, it’s important that each is recognised and understood, not overlooked or dismissed as part of something else. This is sometimes called diagnostic overshadowing, where one diagnosis or set of symptoms masks another. Identifying co-occurring conditions helps ensure a person receives the personalised support, treatment, and accommodations for all aspects of their wellbeing.

Communicating your experience to GPs, schools and professionals

Communicating what you’re noticing in your life or your child’s life can feel overwhelming — especially if those experiences have been misunderstood in the past. These ideas can help you be heard and supported:

• Write a brief summary of key experiences and interactions. For example:
  “I feel drained after social situations,”
  “I work hard to fit in and copy others,”
  “I need quiet time after busy environments,”
  “I can feel overloaded by noise and light.”
  These observations help professionals understand what everyday life actually feels like for you.
• Use bullet points to highlight what’s supportive and what’s challenging — routines, sensory sensitivities, emotional fatigue, friendship patterns, or the effort of masking. This communicates needs without placing value or judgement on behaviours.
• Bring school or workplace feedback — these environments often give useful insight into learning styles, social expectations, and when overwhelm shows up.
• Track patterns such as energy, pain, mood, and sensory overload — including menstrual-cycle links or hypermobility concerns — to show how your body responds to different situations.
  
• Request referral to a clinician who follows the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia — ensuring the process is thorough, respectful, and trauma-informed.
  

Accessing therapeutic support

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out for support. Therapy can begin at any point in the journey — whether you’re exploring autism, already have a diagnosis, or are seeking help with overwhelm, anxiety, sensory needs, or burnout.

You can ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) to access Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions.

Or if you already have NDIS funding in place, you may be able to use your plan to access therapeutic supports with us, depending on your plan type and goals. We can discuss what this could look like and how our services might align with your existing support arrangements.

Our practice provides online therapy Australia-wide, with a focus on approaches that honour neurodivergent identity, autonomy, and lived experience.

If you already have a diagnosis or are in the process of seeking one, we can support you with emotional wellbeing, identity development, and strategies that fit your world — not the other way around.

Assessments

If you’re seeking greater clarity about strengths, needs, and supports, a comprehensive autism assessment can help guide the right pathways forward.

We follow the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia to ensure the process is thorough, respectful, and neuro-affirming. 

We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. We engage in ongoing professional development, regular clinical consultation, and continuous review of current research in autism. We are also active members of professional networks and forums that focus on neurodevelopmental assessment and support. This ensures our approach remains current, collaborative, and aligned with emerging best practice in Australia.

We aim to make every step of the process feel clear and well-supported. We’re transparent with costs, help you explore the support pathways that best fit your situation, and work alongside your healthcare team so you feel consistently understood and cared for across all settings.

Practical daily strategies you may find supportive (in the meantime)

Create transition buffers:
Give yourself time and space when moving between environments (home → school/work → social). Quiet moments before or after transitions can reduce overwhelm and prevent shutdowns.

Schedule “mask-off” moments:
Plan regular, safe times where you don’t have to perform socially — no eye contact expectations, no forced conversation — just rest and authenticity.

Design supportive sensory environments:
Identify sensory “green zones” (calming environments) and “red zones” (overwhelming environments). Adjust lighting, minimise noise, or use comfortable clothing/fabrics when possible.

Choose social energy wisely:
Quality connection can often be more meaningful than quantity. Having one trusted person you feel safe with can help decompress after harder interactions.

Name and honour your needs:
Practice saying simple, supportive boundaries like:

“I need a moment to think.”
“I’m not able to talk right now, but I’m listening.”
“I need a quiet break.”

Align wellbeing with your body:
Track patterns such as energy fluctuations, pain, and mood. Bringing this data to a GP or psychologist can support more accurate and compassionate care — especially around hormonal cycles or hypermobility concerns.

Empower allies in your daily environments:
Identify at least one person at school, work, or in your support network who understands your communication preferences and sensory needs — they can help advocate and check in when things become challenging.

Celebrate your strengths and passions:
Interests aren’t just hobbies — they can be grounding, regulating, and a source of joy and connection. Treat them as valid and important supports.

These ideas are about giving yourself permission to move through the world in ways that feel comfortable and right for you. When your environment adapts to your needs, feeling regulated, connected, and understood becomes much more achievable.

Where to find further trusted information

• Raising Children Network – “Autism and co-occurring conditions” information. (raisingchildren.net.au)
• Autism Awareness Australia – Women and girls with autism fact sheet. (autismawareness.com.au)
• Aspect Australia – Information sheet: Autism in girls and women. (aspect.org.au)
• Autism CRC – National Guideline for Assessment & Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. (autismcrc.com.au)
• Women With Disabilities Australia – Research on autistic women and girls. (wwda.org.au)

Ready to explore the next step?

If you recognise any of the patterns above, and would like to start therapy and/or assessment with someone who understands neuro-diversity, co-occurring complexities and tailored support—we’re here for you.

Contact us today for an obligation-free discussion and quote. Whether you’re seeking therapy, an assessment, or simply advice about the path ahead, we’ll help you map it out and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Email: info@nvpsychology.com.au

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological or medical advice, assessment, or treatment. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please call Triple Zero (000) in Australia. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 confidential support. For further resources and support options, please see our referral directory listed on our 'Contact' page.