For years, autism research and diagnosis patterns centered largely on boys, leaving many families unaware that girls can present very differently. Experts now warn that girls with autism are still being overlooked at troubling rates, often delaying support during critical developmental years. A girl who appears socially engaged, academically capable, or emotionally sensitive may still struggle with sensory overload, anxiety, burnout, or hidden communication challenges. That growing recognition is changing conversations around the diagnosis of girls with autism, but many experts say the system still has work to do.
