Recognizing Autism in Women and Girls: Opening Doors to Success

by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh

Autism has long been considered a boys' condition, but there is more to this story. The truth is, autism looks different in women and girls. They're much better at "pretending to be normal" by masking their autistic characteristics. How can we look behind the mask to recognize autism, when it has been so well camouflaged? Recognizing Autism in Women and When It Has Been Hidden Well provides the perspective needed to see how autism manifests in gendered ways, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. In addition to describing each point in the diagnostic manual to include feminine presentations, Dr. Marsh has created “Five Fictional Female Figures” who've been misdiagnosed because they also display symptoms of other similar conditions. She describes their behaviors, both obvious and hidden, from early childhood to adulthood, and demonstrates how these behaviors meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. The "Behind the Mask" section provides helpful questions to ask during the autism assessment process to allow the professional to recognize autism, even when it has been successfully masked. In addition, each chapter contains "In Her Own Words," written by autistic women who describe their personal journeys from masking to diagnosis, and what it means to them. Being recognized at last for who they truly are frees autistic women to stop hiding behind a mask and begin opening doors to success.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2022

Reviews

[Merilin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing. Best thing I could find just after being diagnosed.

[CASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spot on and great read for neurodivergent and neurotypical folk. To the point, taking necessary tangents from the DSM, while providing many validating perspectives of every aspect of autism. I read this from the library but might have to purchase it after this first pass. A great book for my autistic AFAB friends, and those close to them, who are seeking understanding and validation <3

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. It’s easy to understand. The writers create fictional character sketch type individuals to help illustrate different ways autism may show up. At first I was a little frustrated by that but I do appreciate they’re trying to show how wide range things may look.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book for females on the spectrum. It's the one I've been looking for.

When I self diagnosed myself than got an actual diagnosis I was told I had Asperger's Syndrome. Don't know if they still have that in the DSM. I think they might but I think at one time it was considered separate from Autism and now it's under the umbrella of autistm.

My theory is that regular autism (not asperger's or PDD-NOS i.e. Pervasive Development Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) is more similar in boys and girls than when compared to asperger's and PDD-NOS. With regular Autism there are more likely to be developmental delays, a need for special plans while in school and it's also more noticeable. I think there is a difference between regular autistic males and females in comparison to those with Aut. or PDD-NOS. I think it's the Asperger's female that most often gets overlooked though females with standard Aut. do get overlooked too it's just that their symptoms are more pronounced and less likely to be overlooked. And since providers are continuing to learn about autism, that's leading to more diagnoses. They are realized it's pretty common to some degree.

Anyway, this book is one that I related to most. Temple Grandin is the poster child of Autism but I never could relate to her. I think that is because she has standard Autism and I have Aspergers. So, if any of what I said strikes home, then read this book.

It's also a really good book for those that think they may know someone who is autistic. But if you approach someone about your suspicion, think twice. They may be angry, resentful, outraged at such a suggestion that there is someone wrong with their child or brother or whatever. Prepare to lost a friend or family member.

There is nothing wrong with an autistic in my opinion because autism is just a different way to interpret the world. Of course, I'm not around people that are severely effected so... that's just my opinion.

[Anneke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jot non-fiction enough for me

This book contains brief information in each DSM diagnostic criteria for ASD. Then there are stories about several fictional characters with different presentations. Then there are bullet point lists for practitioners - questions to help them explore further.

I would like more neuroscience, less specific examples - it’s all so stereotyped. Surely there are a million ways in which our brain process can present as a behaviour.

The emphasis on masking is helpful - I’ve spent from very young researching how to “present normally”, ‘Win friends and influence people’ (book title), use Non-Violent communication, counselling skills - if this is your special interest, if “figuring out the mystery of people” is your obsession, how is anyone ever going to see past that?

An easy read - I got through it in a couple of hyper-focused hours, and it’s all evidence for my information pile.

[Div Manickam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for this wonderful book on helping us understand more about autism.

This definitely opens prospectives that help me understand a little bit about why I do certain things a certain way.

That laser focus that I had for writing four books in a year. The awkward feeling while growing up and not fitting in. The need to keep everything organized.

Highlights from the book 📖

Learning about autism started my journey of discovery into why I am the way I am.

Do not let anyone make you feel “less than” or unworthy. You are worthy, exactly as you are, without having to earn your place in the world.Yes, they are extremely sensitive, but this is not a choice they make.

Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to freeze, so no one notices their distress.

For one thing, girls are better able to mask or hide their autistic symptoms.

[Jennifer C · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for autistic women and girls, their families, teachers, mental health providers, and other community members. Dr. Wendy outlines the DSM V criteria for autism, how this may look in women and girls, and gives fictional examples to reinforce the content. At the end of each chapter, she also gives mental health professionals questions to ask potential autistic women about their traits in order to get information that would potentially lead to a diagnosis. I highly recommend this resource.

[Lensey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know very little about autism, particularly in women and girls. Which is obviously why I picked up this particular book. I'm glad I did. The chapters are short and to the point. The author gives a very quick description of each of the symptoms and then uses several fictional characters to show a wide range of how autism symptoms can present, highlighting the fact that some symptoms are more obvious than others and not everyone has the same ones. It's a super quick and easy read--perfect if you want an overview of autism in women and girls and are impatient like me!

[Dmitri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that sheds light on how autism presents differently in women and girls. It was very interesting, concise, and used concrete examples that made it very easy to understand. I would definitely recommend this book to women or girls who believe they may have autism, therapists who want to know how to recognize autism in women and girls, or people just wanting to broaden their understanding of the world.

[Rebekah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, concise, easy to read & understand, this book is excellent for mental health professionals as well as those with autism or who wonder if they may have autism (or for the loved ones of someone with autism). I like the bullet point questions & the testimonials from real autists that are included in each chapter.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't quite what I thought it would be. I didn't expect the fictional girls/women in the book to take up so much page count. It sort of felt like a way to stereotype without calling it that. I'm still looking for one that deals with getting to the right diagnosis after misdiagnosis of things like highly sensitive, OCD, anxiety, depression, PTSD etc. I'm self-diagnosed after formal diagnosis of my son, but it seems like I'm expected to go make a case for my incompetence for not much benefit beyond shutting up my doubting family members.

[Jen Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

parts were clear and helpful.
I didn't find the fictionalised examples very helpful, they felt over-egged and over explained.

very focused on gender and sex, without exploring why so many autistic women and girls might not feel comfortable as women.

also didn't cover many other more common (less trendy overlaps) such as SA or eating disorders.

ok as an intro.

[Hailey Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shed a lot of light on my own (potential) autism and how it may manifest in AFAB people. It was also very inclusive. Great read!

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book.

[Webster Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked all the examples and it was very easy to read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informatief boek, de vignetten van verschillende vrouwen maken het inzichtelijk (onderlinge diversiteit van het spectrum).

[Cas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand and very insightful!

[olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so seen and not alone. but I also feel special. this book has my heart

[Greyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Brenda Hyke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sure the intent was good, but this felt very patronizing to me.