Autism in Women and Girls Test

Challenges in Social Situations: This facet reflects difficulties in navigating social interactions, a common yet often masked trait in autistic women and girls. It includes struggles with understanding social cues, forming friendships, or feeling at ease in groups. While some may mimic social norms to blend in, they might inwardly find these situations draining or confusing, preferring solitary activities or struggling to interpret others’ intentions, even if they appear outwardly capable.

Preference for Routine and Focus: This measures a tendency toward routine and intense focus, often seen in autistic females. It captures a preference for predictability, discomfort with change, and deep absorption in specific interests. Women and girls might rely on structure to manage anxiety or become distressed when plans shift, showing less flexibility than peers, though their passions might be socially acceptable, like art or literature.

Sensitivity to Details and Patterns: This facet highlights a heightened awareness of sensory details and patterns, frequent in autistic women. It involves noticing subtle sounds, textures, or sequences others overlook, often paired with a love for collecting or categorizing information. This strength can manifest in creative or intellectual pursuits, though it might contrast with difficulty seeing the “big picture” in complex situations.

Subtle Communication Challenges: This reflects challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, often subtler in females due to masking. It includes trouble sustaining conversations, gauging turn-taking, or grasping humor and subtext. Autistic women might overcompensate by rehearsing responses, yet still feel misunderstood or miss social nuances, despite appearing articulate or socially engaged to others.

Concrete Thinking: This facet assesses a preference for concrete over abstract thought, common in some autistic women and girls. It involves difficulty imagining others’ perspectives, creating fictional scenarios, or enjoying pretend play, favoring factual or literal thinking instead. While some may excel in structured creativity, their imagination might lean toward realism rather than fantasy, differing from neurotypical peers.