title: The experiences and needs of female adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: There is limited large-scale research into the lived experiences of female adults who have an autism spectrum disorder with no co-occurring intellectual disability. Drawing on the findings of an Australia-wide survey, this report presents self-report data from n = 82 women with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder in the areas of health, education, employment, social and community activities. Where relevant, comparisons are provided with the male subset of the same study population; however, in the majority of analyses, no discernible gender differences emerged. The findings highlight the diverse and complex challenges faced by women with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, including high levels of mental health disorder, unmet support needs in education settings and the workplace, and social exclusion and isolation.
authors.affiliation: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia.
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.affiliation: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia dcostley@autismspectrum.org.au.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder; D004493:Education; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D012929:Psychological Distance; D057566:Self Report; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adults; females; high-functioning autism spectrum disorder; masking; mental health