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Autism is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls—but the story isn’t that simple. Research shows boys are more likely to meet traditional diagnostic criteria, while girls often go unnoticed because their traits can look different or be masked.
What the Numbers Really Show
According to the CDC, autism affects about 1 in 36 children, with boys diagnosed nearly four times more often than girls.
However, newer studies using broader screening suggest the gap may be closer to three boys for every one girl. Some experts believe many girls simply aren’t identified early because their autism symptoms are less obvious in social settings.
Why Girls May Be Overlooked
Autistic girls often “blend in” more easily. They may copy social behaviors, rely on strong language skills, or develop special interests that seem more typical. Dr. Tony Attwood, a leading autism researcher, explains that girls are often “better at camouflaging their difficulties,” which can delay diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood.
There’s also growing evidence of biological protective factors, meaning girls might need more genetic changes than boys to develop autism. But the bigger issue may be how we look for it—with diagnostic tools historically designed around how autism appears in boys.
Even though boys are diagnosed with autism more often, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s truly less common in girls. Better awareness and improved screening are helping more girls get recognized and supported earlier.
At Epic Minds Therapy in North Carolina, we provide warm, in‑home ABA therapy that fits your child’s unique needs.
We also offer school‑based ABA services to help students thrive in familiar learning environments.