Experiences of Females With Late Diagnosis of Autism: Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background Females with autism often receive late diagnoses—especially those with average or above-average intellectual abilities—highlighting the need to explore the unique experiences of this population for better health care support. Objective To explore the experiences and perceptions of females who received a late diagnosis on the autism spectrum in terms of coping and managing their diagnosis. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 using semistructured interviews with 14 late-diagnosed autistic female subjects. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed, and thematic analysis of the interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti v.9 software. Findings were reported following standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results Two main themes emerged: (a) getting a diagnosis: fitting into the norm, and (b) navigating the distinct significance for autistic females. The findings indicated that masking strategies contribute to delayed diagnoses, and social and health care stigma surrounding autism in females was evident. Areas for improving access to resources and support programs were identified. Discussion The results show that masking and camouflaging are predominant strategies among autistic females, contributing to delayed diagnoses and exposing them to additional risks. Enhancing resources and training for health care professionals is necessary to address the specific needs of this population.