Behind the Mask: Autism for Women and Girls by Kate Kahle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbes1mm2VgM&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
@9:29 if someone is really good at masking they may never be diagnosed at all
@9:40 case studies show that women are more skilled at masking and this is likely a huge factor that contributes to their late and misdiagnoses
@10:05 therapist or other people who assist autistic people that recognize the extra challenges that come with being a woman
@10:15 womanhood is a unique and challenging experience all its own
the rule of female friendship how to talk about romance menstruation and even how to stay safe from sexual predators are all obstacles that autistic women face but do not receive support for
@10:38 gender does matter a lot when it comes to autism
@11:08 women and girls the part of their autism you can see is not that person is actually experiencing
it is impossible for someone with a limited outside perspective to label someone else’s autism be that labeled mild moderate Asperger’s high functioning or any other label.
@12:16 women are better at masking because society expects more from us and it doesn’t make as many allowances for us
sometimes society will make exceptions for the social deficits of autistic men in exchange for the knowledge and perspective they can bring to the table
but it won’t do the same thing for autistic women.
@12:36 autism is not a disease and it doesn’t need to be cured
it is just a different way some brains can work
@12:43 if you want to help autistic people you can support organizations like
Autistics For Autistics
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network
that support autistic self-love and acceptance as opposed to organizations that spread fear about autism