Spotting the signs of masking in Autistic girls can be challenging. Differences may go unnoticed in school where they may look like they are managing, however at home they may display anxiety and present with distressed or unsettled behaviour. This is because they are less likely to mask at home where often they feel safer and more comfortable. The pupil may present as exhausted in school due to the extra demands they are dealing with. 

In school, autistic girls might blend into friend groups, making it less obvious to teachers, or they may appear sociable because they are masking their autistic traits. Academic success can also hide difficulties they face in other areas.  They may however show signs of struggling to go to classes or might have a reliance to having a trusted friend with them. They may be reluctant to ask for help for fear of looking different and drawing attention to themselves. 

Due to possible differences in presentation across contexts (home and school), it is important to work closely with the entire team around the child to gain a holistic assessment picture of the young person’s needs.  If there are concerns that a female pupil you support may be autistic, please see the Neurodevelopmental Tile on the Fife Intranet Page. It is important to remember that support in education is needs-led and does not require a diagnosis.