Finding Her Voice: Communication Challenges and Strategies Among Young Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

• Sydney Holthaus, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
• Averi YeoFollow
• Madison Walt, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
• Ran An, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background/Rationale

Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has historically centered on males, leaving the communication experiences of autistic females underrepresented (Lai et al., 2015). Although autistic females make up a substantial portion of the autistic population in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023), far less is known about how communication differences affect their everyday lives. Diagnostic processes may also overlook communication-related signs in autistic women, particularly when masking or compensatory behaviors reduce the visibility of underlying pragmatic and social communication differences (Dean et al., 2017; Hull et al., 2020; Rynkiewicz et al., 2018). As a result, some autistic women enter adolescence and adulthood without recognition of their communication needs or access to appropriate support. This study addresses that gap by examining the real-world communication experiences and adaptive strategies of young autistic women.

Faculty Advisor

Ran An

Department/Program

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Submission Type

in-person poster

Date

4-13-2026

Rights

Copyright the Author(s)

Recommended Citation

Holthaus, Sydney; Yeo, Averi; Walt, Madison; and An, Ran (2026) "Finding Her Voice: Communication Challenges and Strategies Among Young Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder," SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 91.
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/91