Autistic women who were born before the 2000s often fell into the cracks. Among the “Lost Generation,” these women spent a huge chunk of their lives feeling alienated from society without understanding why.
Although some people have suggested that not being encumbered with a diagnosis is a good thing, so many late-diagnosed autistic women do not agree. In fact, not finding out until they were in their 30s or later caused untold issues and left an entire generation struggling with anxiety and depression.
Early Diagnosis Saves Lives
By the time an autistic girl is 7 or 8 years old, she begins to feel the many social differences between herself and her peers. Not understanding why these differences exist, she’ll often begin masking in an attempt to fit in.
If she’s already been diagnosed, however, she has a much better chance of publicly retaining the parts of herself that are different. Without a diagnosis, she’ll spend much of her childhood struggling to hide the way her brain naturally works.
As she gets older, her feelings of alienation become even worse. Tragically, almost 80% of autistics develop a mental health condition due to the pressure that society places on them. This leads to suicidal ideation in 66% of autistic adults.
To help highlight just how bad this mental health crisis can be, we only have to look at the United Kingdom. According to the same research, about 1% of the U.K. population is autistic, and yet approximately 15% of suicide attempts are committed by autistic people.
Understanding Self
What could have happened to all these people if they’d simply been diagnosed at an earlier age?
It’s simple; they would have developed a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in. By doing so, they might have even been able to avoid a mental health condition altogether.
Plus, they would have had the power to speak up for their neurotype, which is one of the best ways for society to learn and grow.
Autistic Women: Unlearning Everything They Learned
Another huge difference between an early diagnosis and a late diagnosis is that finding out early could have prevented women from having to unlearn their coping skills.
When a woman in her 30s or 40s discovers she’s been autistic all along, it forces her to reexamine her entire life. Many autistic women were extremely vulnerable before they were diagnosed, but most of them didn’t even know it.
Instead, they were often taken advantage of by those who professed to love them. By breaking through the medical community’s bias against autistic women, these individuals now have an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Understanding Leads to Support for Autistic Women
If you’re the parent of an autistic child, it’s vital to listen to the real-life experiences of autistic women. They understand the many pitfalls of being an autistic child, and the advice they share can often help your child live a happier life.
Additionally, you can learn more at WPS, including how to help your child navigate through school by using certain assessment tools.
FAQs About Autistic Women
1. What are common signs of autism in women that often go unnoticed?
- Autistic women often exhibit traits such as an intense focus on interests, sensitivity to sensory input, difficulty interpreting social cues, and masking behaviors. These signs can be subtle, making autism harder to detect in women.
2. How does societal bias affect the diagnosis of autism in women?
- Societal biases often label women as “shy” or “introverted,” dismissing behaviors linked to autism. This can delay diagnosis and support, leading to significant mental health challenges.
3. Are there unique challenges faced by autistic women in relationships?
- Yes, autistic women may struggle with communication, setting boundaries, and understanding relationship dynamics. This makes them more vulnerable to emotional or social exploitation.
4. How can workplaces better support autistic women?
- Workplaces can provide quiet spaces, flexible schedules, and clear communication to help autistic women thrive. Promoting neurodiversity awareness among staff is also crucial.
5. What resources are available for women suspecting they may be autistic?
- Support groups, autism advocacy organizations, and mental health professionals with expertise in autism can provide guidance for women seeking evaluation and resources.