Underdiagnosis
It's common for girls to not get diagnosed with autism or ADHD until much later compared to boys. Studies show that it's likely because of social camouflage. It's not that ADHD and autism are more common in boys, it seems that young girls often aren't given a clinical diagnosis even when they do have the disorder. Many girls with autism or ADHD don't get diagnosed until their teens or even in adulthood, while most boys receive a diagnosis at a young age. They grow up without the resources that young boys with the same disorders are given. When many reach the point where pushing through symptoms is no longer possible, usually in high school, instead of receiving compassion and treatment, they often face judgment.
Masking
Masking, or social camouflage, is when a neurodivergent person hides their symptoms in social situations. This is more common in girls, which may explain why they don't receive a proper diagnosis. Young boys with ADHD tend to be more disruptive in situations like the classroom, but it's much less socially acceptable for a girl to behave this way. Many girls with autism also hide their symptoms in order to fit into friend groups. Because of this, many young girls learn from a young age how to hide their symptoms. Their ability to mask can explain why parents and teachers don't notice warning signs, and why many professionals believe autism and ADHD are more common in men. Masking symptoms is also not an easy task, it's often exhausting and difficult to keep up. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, young women wouldn't have to mask their symptoms and instead work with their disorders, like many men have been able to do.
Individual experiences
Erin Bulluss and Abby Sesterka are both women who were diagnosed with autism late in life. They first mention that when they were younger their symptoms were written off as amusing, such as throwing tantrums at unpredictable times. They say that as they grew into adults, they felt the need to not seem "difficult" to others, continuing to hide their struggles. However, once they did finally get diagnosed, it was a weight off their shoulders. It allowed them to explain and understand their symptoms, and therefore how to cope with them.
Many other women and girls are still struggling with this, dealing with undiagnosed autism or ADHD and not having the resources to cope with their symptoms and experiences.
Many other women and girls are still struggling with this, dealing with undiagnosed autism or ADHD and not having the resources to cope with their symptoms and experiences.