High-functioning autism can be hard to spot, especially in adulthood. Getting a diagnosis as a woman in adulthood can be even harder, because the condition is typically stigmatized as a “male condition.” Autism presents differently in men versus women, and the diagnostic rate is three boys for every one girl.
When someone has high-functioning autism, doctors can often misdiagnose it as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), leading to ineffective treatment until an accurate diagnosis is made. High-functioning autism means that women with the condition are able to continue through their daily routine with seemingly few disruptions.
Why Do Women Present Differently?
Women present differently, especially with high-functioning autism. “Masking” or camouflaging is the conscious or unconscious hiding of natural autism behaviors. Women also often experience their high-functioning autism internally. This makes it harder for a diagnosis to be reached.
There are also roots in societal stigmas surrounding male versus female behaviors. Women are often stereotyped as being shy, quiet, or tidy. Whereas men are expected to be louder, messier, or cause disruptions. This is particularly relevant when it comes to high-functioning autism in adolescents. These stereotypes often cause doctors and mental health professionals to overlook autism in women.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Women
High-functioning autism in women can present either internally or externally. These signs may affect social behaviors, academic performance, and emotional aspects of one’s life. Signs of high-functioning autism in women include:
Social Indicators
- May be on the edge of friendship groups or have intense friendships vulnerable to falling out after a period of time.
- May be very uncomfortable with conflict.
Academic/Work Signs
- May not raise a hand in class or be reluctant to speak when called on.
- May misunderstand pop culture or trends.
- May experience less difficulty and anxiety if seated with a well-known peer, and if the seating doesn’t change.
- May also vastly prefer pair or group work with a friend.
- May mask at school, explode at home.
- May be disinterested in sports or activities.
- May have an ability to spot patterns easily and/or consider a subject without bias.
- May find aspects of uniforms (or other clothes) difficult or impossible.
- May find transitions between tasks very difficult.
- May find group events difficult due to the proximity of so many people.
Anxiety Induced Signs
- May situationally go silent.
- May be prone to extended absences from school or work.
- May have an eating disorder or other “control” disorders.
- May self harm.
- May have anxiety manifesting in physical symptoms like stomach aches, nausea, etc.
- May be more likely than peers to have mental health issues.
Autistic Inertia (trouble stopping and starting activities)
- May have difficulty with organization.
- May find it difficult to get started on a project or assignment.
- May find it difficult to build a plan without breaking it down into smaller tasks.
- Likely to have an intense focus on certain interests.
- May find it difficult to be interrupted when “in the zone.”
- Likely to find transitions of all types difficult.
Other Signs of High-Functioning Autism
- May have a vivid imagination.
- May enjoy collections.
- Can be a perfectionist.
- Stimming or repetitive behaviors that are less likely to be noticeable – small movements or internalization.
- Likely to have strong opinions when not masking in a safe space, and difficult to convince they are wrong.
- May have trouble with directions.
- May have a large or advanced vocabulary.
- May make strong use of routine or ritual.
- May have poor posture.
- May have restricted or selective eating choices.
High-functioning autism in women may be hard to spot as many of the signs are seen as “common female behaviors.” This is harmful for the overall wellbeing of women with undiagnosed autism, because it leaves them at a higher risk for other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Having a diagnosis makes it easier to understand things that make an individual feel different, as well as treat harmful or unproductive behaviors.
Getting Treatment for High-Functioning Autism
High-functioning autism is best treated when an individual is aware they have the condition. Early intervention is best, but a diagnosis often doesn’t occur for women until adulthood. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of high-functioning autism, give the team at Alter Behavioral Health a call. We offer treatment for autism in both men and women, and have a team of licensed medical professionals on staff to provide high quality care. Don’t live your life in the shadow of a misdiagnosis, get treatment for autism today.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
