In short: Women with ADHD, autism or both are often diagnosed in their 30s or 40s — frequently after a child’s diagnosis or burnout — because they mask, present differently and are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression first.
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For decades, research on autism and ADHD focused on boys. As a result, many women recognise themselves only in adulthood. AuDHD in women is especially easy to miss, because each condition can hide the other.
ADHD in women
- More often inattentive: daydreaming, disorganisation, forgetfulness rather than visible hyperactivity
- Overcompensating with lists, perfectionism and late nights
- Emotional intensity and rejection sensitivity
- Symptoms that worsen with hormonal changes — premenstrually, after childbirth and in perimenopause
Autism in women
- Social mimicry: learning scripts and copying peers
- Intense interests that look “ordinary” (books, animals, psychology)
- Exhaustion and shutdowns after social events
- Sensory sensitivities explained away as being “fussy”
Masking: the main reason for late diagnosis
Masking (or camouflaging) means hiding or compensating for neurodivergent traits to fit in. It works — until it causes burnout. Read what masking costs you.
Common misdiagnoses
Anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder and eating difficulties are often diagnosed first. These can co-occur, but treating them alone may leave the underlying neurodivergence unrecognised.
What to do next
- Take the free ADHD self-screen and read about autism screeners.
- Look for a clinician experienced in assessing adult women — see how to get assessed.
More for adults: Adults hub · Free auDHD Check · Find a professional · Adults newsletter
Sources & further reading
- Hull, Petrides & Mandy (2020), The female autism phenotype and camouflaging, Rev J Autism Dev Disord
- Quinn & Madhoo (2014), A review of ADHD in women and girls, Prim Care Companion CNS Disord
- CHADD — Women and girls
Last checked: 31 October 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us.