"I was always on the outside, watching quietly": Autistic women reflect on school experiences

Voices of autistic women and girls have historically been underrepresented in research. This phenomenological study explored school experiences of autistic women from kindergarten through college. A pilot with 6 participants informed interview protocols; the full study included 14 autistic women (including the initial 6). Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two researchers independently conducted thematic analysis, identifying six themes: (1) Accuracy of diagnosis matters; (2) Details matter; (3) Meaning of sensory and emotional experiences; (4) Invisibility/Not belonging; (5) Relationship and friendship challenges; and (6) Layers of vulnerability. Findings highlight late and misdiagnosis, sensory-emotional overwhelm in school environments, social exclusion, high bullying rates, and compounding vulnerabilities. Recommendations are offered for educators, administrators, counselors, and school social workers.

Jessica Curd, Thu Sương Thị Nguyễn