Why autism in Indian women is often overlooked

When Shreya Pawar from Mumbai was first diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in her late twenties, the label seemed to explain her whirlwind of emotions, constant anxiety, and frequent shutdowns.

- Divya Naik

When Shreya Pawar from Mumbai was first diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in her late twenties, the label seemed to explain her whirlwind of emotions, constant anxiety, and frequent shutdowns. Therapy focused on emotional regulation. Medications took the edge off her panic. But something never quite clicked. Despite diligently following every recommendation, she didn't feel seen or understood.

The real turning point came during a late-night scroll on Instagram. A short video on autism in women caught her attention. It mentioned masking, sensory overload, and social exhaustion. As she watched, it felt like the person on screen was describing her life. Within months, Shreya was re-evaluated, and finally, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Across India, stories like Shreya's are becoming more common. Yet autism in women remains grossly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and the consequences can span decades of psychological strain. The reasons are rooted in outdated science, cultural blind spots, and the immense social pressure placed on women to conform even when it harms them.