Hey Tumblr fam!
Let’s talk about something that’s been flying under the radar way too long: autism diagnoses in people of color (POC), especially women of color. If you’re neurodivergent or just curious about equity in healthcare, buckle up. This is important.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) doesn’t discriminate by race or gender, but our diagnostic systems sure do. Studies show that Black and Hispanic kids are less likely to get diagnosed compared to white peers, often due to biases in how symptoms are recognized. 
And for women of color? The odds stack even higher against them because of something called “masking.”
First off, what is masking? It’s basically a survival tactic where autistic folks, especially women and girls, hide or suppress their natural traits to blend in with neurotypical (NT) society. Think forcing eye contact, scripting conversations, mimicking social cues, or stifling stims (like fidgeting) to avoid standing out. 
Women often learn this early because societal expectations push them to be “polite” or “empathetic” in ways that don’t align with autistic experiences. For women of color, it’s amplified by intersecting pressures: racism, cultural norms, and gender roles that demand even more emotional labor. Black women, for instance, might mask to counter stereotypes of being “angry” or “difficult,” while the autism lens is so white and male-focused that their behaviors get overlooked or misinterpreted. 
But here’s the kicker; masking is super detrimental to getting a proper diagnosis. It makes autistic traits less visible to clinicians, leading to late, missed, or flat-out wrong diagnoses. 
Women of color might go undiagnosed until adulthood, if at all, because their masking skills are on point from years of navigating multiple marginalizations. This delay means missing out on early interventions, supports, and self-understanding. Worse, the constant effort of masking drains mental energy, causing burnout, anxiety, depression, and even higher suicide risks. 
It’s like living a double life: exhausting on the inside while appearing “fine” on the outside.
And speaking of wrong diagnoses, autistic women (including POC) often get slapped with other labels instead. Common misdiagnoses include borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or even ADHD alone, without recognizing the underlying autism.  
Why? Because masking hides core autistic features like sensory sensitivities or repetitive behaviors, so docs focus on emotional “instability” or social struggles that overlap with these conditions. For women of color, racial biases compound this. Black parents report fewer concerns being taken seriously, leading to even more oversight. 
Now, let’s break down autism levels, because ASD isn’t one-size-fits-all. The DSM-5 categorizes it into three levels based on support needs:
• Level 1 (Requiring Support): Folks here might struggle with social interactions, flexibility, or organization but can function independently with some help. Masking is common here, especially in women, making it hard to spot. 
• Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support): More noticeable challenges, like limited verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty adapting to changes. Daily life needs more structured aid.
• Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support): Severe impacts on communication, behavior, and self-care. Individuals may need round-the-clock assistance.
These levels aren’t fixed. They can shift with environment and support. For resources on this, check out Autism Speaks’ guide on ASD levels (autismspeaks.org/levels-of-autism) or the CDC’s diagnostic info (cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis).
Information for healthcare providers on diagnostic tools and criteria for ASD.
If you’re diving deeper into masking, start with Healthline’s article on autism masking (healthline.com/health/autism/autism-masking) or the National Autistic Society’s page (autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-masking). 
Autism masking is a survival strategy for autistic people to mimic neurotypical behaviors in social situations. Doing this can take a heavy
For autism in general, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is gold (autisticadvocacy.org), though it’s not POC-specific. But for POC-focused resources, hit up Autism in Black (autisminblack.org) for awareness and stigma reduction in Black communities, or The Color of Autism Foundation (thecolorofautism.org) for tailored programs and support.  
The Autistic People of Color Fund (autismandrace.com/autistic-people-of-color-fund) offers direct aid too. 
We need better training for clinicians, more inclusive research, and amplified voices from autistic POC. If this resonates, share your stories (anonymously if needed).
Let’s build community and push for change. Stay kind to yourselves out there. 💙
Follow me on LinkedIn:
I am a detail-oriented professional with 3+ years of experience in accounting, payroll… · Experience: HCFL · Education: Stevenson University
https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/jaeda-vinson/
#AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #POCautism #Masking