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Why gender stereotypes affect autism diagnosis in women and girls

Statistically, more males than females are diagnosed as autistic. Unfortunately, societal expectations of gender roles can heavily influence how behaviours are perceived and whether they are recognized as potentially autistic.

Girls and women are more likely to internalize challenges they encounter and mask their differences in order to fit in, often leading to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. In this video, Dr. Hayward highlights how commonly accepted markers of conditions like autism, often appear differently in females, contributing to a systemic gap in recognition and support. She also discusses the impact this barrier, along with getting a late diagnosis, can have on autistic women.

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown
Do we know what causes autism?