Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed much more frequently in men than in women, and this difference cannot be explained solely by biological factors. One important part of the issue lies in assessment tools, many of which were developed based primarily on observations of how autism presents in men. As a result, they may overlook less obvious manifestations that are common among women, including masking behaviors, through which individuals consciously or unconsciously conceal or compensate for their autistic traits during social interactions and assessments.

To better understand this diagnostic gap, a research team reviewed scientific evidence published between 2013 and 2025, analyzing 48 studies involving more than 54,000 participants. Seven of these studies directly compared the assessment scores of men and women using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).

The findings indicate that women tend to obtain slightly lower scores in overall assessments and social communication. This does not necessarily mean they experience fewer autistic traits; rather, it suggests that the assessment tool may underestimate how autism manifests in women. By contrast, findings regarding restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Diagnosing autism in women requires looking beyond test scores and considering developmental history, as well as observations from family members and other people familiar with their daily lives. Further long-term research involving girls and women is needed, along with the development of assessment tools that are more sensitive to the different ways autism can present.

To learn more about this research, read the full article published in the Journal of Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (RIICS) by following the link provided.

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