5 TEDx Talks from Women with Autism

National Women’s History month is a time in which we celebrate all women from history and in our present lives. During this month, we would like to recognize some women with autism who have shared their stories.

The CDC reported in 2021 that about 1 in 44 children in the United States are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. This means that roughly 1 in 27 boys will be diagnosed with ASD, compared to 1 in 116 girls.

With such disproportionate diagnoses being given to women, it is important to recognize the experiences of the women in the autism community. As they share their stories, more women are seeking evaluations later in life.

Check out our list of some amazing women in the autism community and their stories:

1. Carrie Beckwith-Fellows presents her story about her life without a diagnosis until age 35.

2. Sarai Pahla discusses the dating world and what it is like dating as a woman with autism.

3. Kate Kahle is a woman with autism who advocates for more research to look into how autism presents in girls and women to have a diagnosis early on rather than later. She also notes that masking is harmful to people, especially girls and women, with autism.

4. Jolene Stockman is a woman with autism that discusses how pursuing the idea of being “normal” is not beneficial to one’s life and that having a diagnosis can be freeing.

5. Monique Botha discusses her experiences as a woman with autism, including the difficulties she faced.

As we celebrate National Women’s History month, please take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the women in your life. Happy National Women’s History month from the American Autism Association team!