Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Women: Recognising Patterns, Supporting Wellbeing and Finding Your Path Forward

Why this matters
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present in many different ways across communication styles, sensory needs, learning profiles, and how someone experiences relationships and the world around them. For women, and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals in particular, autistic traits may be less visible or more internally managed. This can lead to being misunderstood, overlooked, or misdiagnosed for many years.

Increasing accurate recognition and understanding of diverse autistic experiences supports meaningful access to assessment, self-knowledge, and supports that genuinely improve daily life and wellbeing. Early identification can reduce burnout, build self-acceptance, and make it easier to advocate for needs across school, work, and relationships.

How ASD may present differently in women and AFAB individuals
While every experience is unique, research and clinical observations highlight some common themes:

• Strong ability to social-mask or camouflage autistic traits (e.g., 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 multiple conditions overlap, each deserves recognition. This helps avoid diagnostic overshadowing — where one diagnosis masks another — ensuring that all areas of need are understood and supported.

Communicating your experience to GPs, schools and professionals
Describing 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.

Note both strengths and challenges:
Creativity, empathy, spontaneity, focus on passions, sensitivity to noise or criticism, or periods of burnout.

Include teacher, employer, or partner observations as they often provide useful external perspectives.

Track energy, pain, sleep, sensory needs, and emotional regulation patterns over time; bring these to your GP or psychologist.

Accessing therapeutic support
You don’t need to have a diagnosis before seeking help. Therapy can support you at any stage — whether you’re exploring ASD, newly diagnosed, or learning strategies to manage overwhelm and deepen your understanding of yourself.

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

If you have NDIS funding, you may also be able to use your plan for therapeutic supports, depending on your plan type and goals.

Our practice provides online therapy Australia-wide, combining evidence-based approaches (CBT, EMDR, DBT & ACT) with neuro-affirming frameworks that value lived experience, autonomy, and self-acceptance.

If you already have a diagnosis or are pursuing one, we can help with emotional wellbeing, identity development, and strategies that fit the way your mind works — 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, collaborative, and neuro-affirming. 

Our practice uses validated tools, multi-informant reports, and clinical interviews to build a full picture — integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioural insights to inform meaningful recommendations and next steps.

We engage in ongoing professional development and consultation in ASD assessment and remain connected to professional networks specialising in neurodevelopmental practice across Australia.

Our aim is to make each step clear, transparent, and supportive — from initial enquiry to feedback and recommendations.

Practical daily strategies that may help (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.

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 well-being with your body:
Track patterns such as energy fluctuations, pain, and mood. Bring this data to members of your health care team so they can support you — 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 strategies are not about “fixing” yourself — they’re about creating systems that work with your brain, not against it.

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.