Why Do Autistic Girls Suffer More? Understanding the Hidden Struggles"

 Autistic girls suffer more than boys due to the interaction among biological, social, and diagnostic factors:


1. Underdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis


The majority of autistic girls mask their characteristics (copying neurotypical behavior), and thus they are left undiagnosed or diagnosed late.


Diagnostic guidelines for autism are conventionally based on males' presentations, hence it becomes challenging to diagnose in girls.


2. Masking and Burnout


Girls usually suppress their autistic traits in order to fit in, and thus they get anxiety, depression, and burnout (autistic burnout).


This relentless striving to appear "normal" can result in identity confusion and mental illness.


3. Social Pressures & Expectations


Girls are socially expected by society to be naturally social, empathetic, and talkative, and therefore their social issues are reduced.


Girls with autism tend to get bullied, ostracized, or socially withdrawn because of the challenge with implicit social norms.


4. Mental Health Issues


More anxious, depressed, with eating disorders, and self-harm in autistic girls due to constant stress and confusion.


5. Sensory Sensitivities & Trauma


Sensory overload (vision, hearing, touch) can be overwhelming, causing meltdowns, shutdowns, or avoidance behaviors.


Many autistic girls are exposed to greater trauma, including social rejection and sometimes even abuse.


6. Lack of Support & Awareness


Girls' symptoms of autism are overlooked by parents, teachers, and doctors, which leads to ineffective support.


Most autistic girls remain undiagnosed until adulthood, fighting for years without realizing that they are different.




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