The study titled “Looking good but feeling bad: ‘Camouflaging’ behaviors and mental health in women with autistic traits” conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) found that women who camouflage or hide their autistic traits face severe mental health challenges. The study sheds light on the mental health concerns faced by women with autistic traits and highlights the correlation between camouflaging and the severity of these challenges.
Typically, girls are more likely to suppress autistic traits, leading to late or misdiagnosis. The study recruited women between the ages of 18 and 42 who found social situations confusing or exhausting and screened them for autistic traits. Only one-third of the participants had a formal autism diagnosis. The researchers conducted surveys, interviews, IQ tests, and structured social interactions to analyze the links between camouflaging and mental health concerns.
The majority of women in the study reported masking their autistic characteristics and also reported significant psychological distress, including depression, stress, and anxiety. More than half of the participants faced difficulties in everyday functioning and completing work tasks. The findings have important implications for clinicians in better supporting women with autistic traits, as camouflaging poses challenges for mental health providers in assessing and providing recommendations for these individuals.
The study emphasizes the need for early diagnosis to help autistic women find inclusivity and support within their communities. Additional research is needed to further understand the unique concerns faced by autistic women.
The original article can be found here.
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