What happened: A new study, published in the journal Autism, shines new light on the relationship between camouflaging as an autistic woman and mental health concerns, as well as the importance of earlier screening and better support for autistic women across the lifespan.
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Researchers at Brigham Young University recruited 58 female participants who reported difficulty in social situations and met board criteria for autism
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Most of the participants reported masking their autistic characteristics often, which was associated with higher mental health difficulties
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Of those included in the study, 62% reported depression, 66% stress, 67% anxiety and 62% suicidal thoughts
At the end of the day, we want [autistic women] to find inclusive communities who will help meet their social needs and support their ability to function as they’d like to day-to-day. — Dr. Jonathan Beck, study author
The Frontlines