Autism has long been understood through a narrow lens, and one of the consequences of this has been the widespread under-recognition of autistic girls, women and non-binary people. In Episode 22 of The William Gomes Podcast, William Gomes explores why gender plays such a significant role in how autism is identified, interpreted and often overlooked.
In this episode, Gomes examines how social expectations around gender shape autistic experience from an early age. Autistic girls and women are frequently expected to be socially accommodating, emotionally aware and compliant. These expectations can lead many to develop masking strategies that hide their difficulties while placing significant strain on mental health and wellbeing.
The discussion explores how masking contributes to delayed or missed diagnosis, and why many autistic women are instead misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression or personality disorders. Gomes highlights how these patterns are not accidental, but rooted in outdated diagnostic frameworks that were largely based on male presentations of autism.
William also reflects on the unique pressures faced by non-binary autistic individuals, whose experiences may fall even further outside traditional diagnostic assumptions. The episode emphasises that autism does not look the same across genders, and that broadening our understanding is essential for recognition, validation and appropriate support.
Rather than framing these differences as anomalies, the episode invites listeners to see them as evidence of autism’s diversity. By listening more carefully to lived experience and moving beyond stereotypes, families, educators and clinicians can begin to recognise autistic people who have been invisible for far too long.
Warm, compassionate and grounded in understanding, this episode is particularly relevant for parents, educators, mental health professionals and anyone interested in autism, identity and equity in diagnosis and support.
Listen to Episode 22 on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
