Autism in women has long been underrecognized, misunderstood, and misdiagnosed. A powerful article from The Psychologist sheds light on this “voyage of discovery” that many autistic women embark on — often later in life — uncovering a deeper understanding of themselves beyond the masks they’ve been wearing for decades.

For years, prevailing diagnostic models were shaped by male-centric data, overlooking how autism manifests differently in women. Girls often learn to mimic social norms, suppress sensory needs, and camouflage their traits to avoid stigma, only to face burnout, depression, or identity confusion later on. As researcher Dr. Sarah Bargiela highlights, many autistic women describe a profound sense of alienation — of never quite fitting in, despite their efforts to appear “normal.”

This misalignment has real-world consequences: delayed diagnosis, inadequate support, and persistent mental health struggles. But things are changing. Autistic women are reclaiming their narratives, supported by emerging research, community voices, and trauma-informed clinical practices. The article reminds us that autism in women isn’t rare — it’s just been hidden, and now, finally, it’s being seen.

Autism isn’t a puzzle to be solved — it’s a story to be understood. And for many women, that story is only just beginning to unfold.