Adjusted on the outside, exhausted on the inside
Autism in women is rarely recognised by the classic, visible characteristics. Camouflaging often makes the external image flawless, and that is exactly the problem.
What often occurs together
Not every characteristic has to be correct, but together they form a recognizable picture.
🎭 Camouflaging and masking
Imitating conscious or unconscious social behavior: forcing eye contact, copying facial expressions, preparing scripts for conversations.
💥 Exhaustion after social situations
A party or meeting that is 'normal' for others takes you days to recover from.
📚 Strong in language, weaker in numbers
Commonly used tests are based on a fascination with patterns and numbers, while women with autism are more often language-oriented.
💛 Intense, specific interests
Deep interests that appear slightly different than to men, often more socially accepted topics such as animals, books or a certain author.
⚠️ First a different label
Anxiety, depression, burnout, ADHD or a personality disorder that was previously diagnosed, but not the whole picture explains.
💔 Increased risk of burnout
Years of camouflage can result in an 'autistic burnout': long-term exhaustion that goes beyond normal stress.
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.