Reviewed by the Ridge RTC Clinical Team

High-functioning autism in girls is less likely to be diagnosed or treated than it is in boys. There are several reasons for this, all of which point to an increased need for awareness around how high-functioning autism presents in girls and why it often goes unnoticed. 

Below, we’re exploring why it’s harder to spot high-functioning autism in a teenage girl versus a boy, with helpful tips for parents who want to make sure their child gets the appropriate level of support. 

Table of Contents:

• Why Spotting High-Functioning Autism in a Teenage Girl is Difficult
• Common Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism in Girls
• Consequences of a Late Autism Diagnosis
• How to Support Teen Girls with Autism
• Learn More About How High-Functioning Autism Presents in Girls

Why Spotting High-Functioning Autism in a Teenage Girl is Difficult

Among girls with autism, 80% will go undiagnosed by age 18. That’s a shocking number, and it says a lot about the way we do (and don’t) perceive autism in young females. 

High-functioning autism, or Autism Level 1, is the mildest form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s characterized by average or above-average intelligence coupled with distinct social and/or emotional challenges. 

So why does it often go unnoticed in girls? It likely has to do with how high-functioning autism presents in girls, and more specifically, how girls appear to be better than boys at masking their symptoms. 

While boys tend to externalize symptoms, exhibiting tell-tale ASD traits like hyperactivity and immense difficulty in social situations, girls generally do the opposite. A teenage girl with Autism Level 1 may mimic peers or overcompensate in social settings and appear perfectly at ease. She also may internalize her emotional difficulties, struggling on the inside instead of in an obvious outward manner. This could lead caregivers to overlook the issue entirely or lead to a misdiagnosis of anxiety, depression, or another disorder. 

Common Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism in Girls

The symptoms of high-functioning autism in girls can be tricky to spot or confused with typical teenage angst. Possible symptoms include:

• Strong language skills but difficulty with social nuance
• Intense, focused interests
• Sensitivity to criticism and sensory 
• Emotional meltdowns or withdrawal, especially after social situations

Teenage girls may also be reluctant to discuss their internal struggles. If you’re a caregiver who has noticed one or more of these signs, trust your gut and seek appropriate levels of support rather than hoping your child simply outgrows the issue. 

Consequences of a Late Autism Diagnosis

Girls often get diagnosed with autism later in life than boys. That can have long-standing consequences throughout a girl’s teen years and beyond.

Potential consequences of diagnosing autism late include increased feelings of isolation or self-doubt, incorrect diagnoses of mood or personality disorders, and increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, or eating disorders. 

In cases of misdiagnosis, teen girls run the risk of receiving ineffective treatment and a delay in getting the support they really need. This sets them further back from their neurotypical peers and may worsen the social, emotional, and behavioral challenges of high-functioning autism. 

How to Support Teen Girls with Autism

There are a number of things that parents and caregivers can do to support a teen girl who has high-functioning autism. 

Practice Open Communication

Because teen girls with Autism Level 1 tend to internalize their struggles, it becomes all the more essential for caregivers to ask about, listen, and provide them with help processing their feelings and experiences. 

Make Home a Safe Space

Home should be where a teen girl feels free to drop the mask and be herself. Facilitate this by building routines, teaching emotional regulation, and promoting her strengths, all of which let her know she doesn’t have to camouflage or fight what she’s going through. 

Consider Professional Help

Therapy for high-functioning autism usually includes a focus on social skills, communication, and emotional regulation. Look for providers or practices that specialize in teenage neurodiversity, and particularly high-functioning autism in girls, before signing your child up.

Learn More About How High-Functioning Autism Presents in Girls

The Ridge RTC is proud to offer support for teens and families who are facing a diagnosis of high-functioning autism. Our specialized residential treatment center has a strong focus on neurodiversity of all kinds, and provides therapy, peer support, and family programming designed to empower teenage girls and set them on a bright path for the future.

Recognizing high-functioning autism early on in girls can transform outcomes. If you have additional questions about the signs of high-functioning autism in teen girls, or if you want more information on autism care for girls at The Ridge RTC, please get in touch. The Ridge RTC clinical and medical team includes qualified medical practitioners, counselors, clinical specialists, and board-certified psychiatrists with extensive experience in adolescent mental health treatment. Visit the Team page to learn more.