Free Autism test for women
Autism in women and girls is frequently misunderstood and underidentified. Because the "classic" symptoms of autism were originally defined based on observations of boys, many women grow up feeling "different" without ever knowing why. They often become experts at masking—mimicking neurotypical social behaviors to fit in—which hides their struggles from teachers, parents, and even doctors.
This free autism screening is designed to help women identify these internalized traits. While not a diagnosis, it provides a structured way to see if your experiences align with the autistic spectrum.
Ready to explore your traits?
Our 5-minute screening identifies common autistic patterns in social interaction and sensory processing.
Take the Free Autism TestThe "Female Autism Phenotype"
Research suggests that autistic women often present differently than men. Common traits in women include:
- Highly Developed Masking: The ability to "perform" social interactions despite find them exhausting.
- Intense Social Close-Observation: Studying other people to learn how to behave in social settings.
- Internalized Hyperactivity: Instead of physical bouncing, experiencing a racing mind or intense internal restlessness.
- Sensory Sensitivity: Being highly sensitive to clothing textures, perfumes, or lights, which may be dismissed as Being "picky."
- Special Interests: Having deep, intense interests that may be more "socially acceptable" (like animals, psychology, or fiction) than the stereotypical interests like trains or tech.
The Impact of Late Diagnosis
Many women aren't diagnosed until adulthood, often after a lifetime of being told they have "anxiety" or "depression." Understanding that you are autistic can be a profound relief, replacing years of self-blame with the realization that your brain simply works differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is autism underdiagnosed in women?
Historically, autism research focused on boys, leading to diagnostic criteria that emphasize externalized behaviors. Women and girls often present with different 'special interests' (like psychology, animals, or literature) that are more socially expected. Additionally, women are often socialized to be more observant and cooperative, leading them to develop highly sophisticated 'masking' or camouflaging strategies to hide their traits.
What does autism 'masking' look like in women?
Masking in women often involves consciously mimicking facial expressions, rehearsing social scripts before conversations, forcing eye contact even when uncomfortable, and suppressing 'stims' (repetitive movements). This constant performance is exhausting and often leads to what is known as 'autistic burnout'—a state of total physical and mental depletion.
Is there a link between autism and hormonal cycles?
Many autistic women report that their sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation challenges intensify during specific phases of their menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase when estrogen drops. Perimenopause and menopause can also lead to a 'crash' where previous masking strategies no longer work, often leading many women to seek a diagnosis for the first time in their 40s or 50s.
Can autism be mistaken for other conditions in women?
Yes, very often. Autistic women are frequently misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or Depression before their autism is identified. This happens because the internal struggle of autism can manifest as emotional dysregulation or social withdrawal, which clinicians might interpret through other lenses if they aren't 'autism-aware'.