University of Southampton Educational Psychology research blog

Welcome to the University of Southampton research blog for the Doctorate in Educational Psychology.
Our trainees submit assignments demonstrating their ability to generate new knowledge and synthesise existing research. Essays and critiques published here have all been graded as being at distinction level in at least one area.

“The creation of the research hub, a repository of essays, theses, papers and podcasts is unique, a fantastic resource for practitioners in the field as well as past and current students.”
Dr Andrew Richards, External Advisor 2025, University of Exeter

“This programme’s excellent provision supports and develops trainees’ critical appraisal skills, equipping them for carrying out doctoral level research and preparing them for professional practice”
Dr Richard Parker and Dr Pandora Giles, External Examiners 2024

Authors: Carla Tromans and Henry Wood-Downie
Published: 2025
Publication: Educational Psychology Research and Practice

Autism is increasingly recognised as under-diagnosed in females due to different symptom presentations. As a result, many females are not diagnosed until adolescence, a period that can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. A new diagnosis may further challenge emotional wellbeing. Therefore, this narrative review explores the experiences of autistic girls diagnosed during adolescence, focusing on understanding the difficulties they face post-diagnosis. The research suggests that these difficulties occur at multiple levels: individual struggles with self-identity exist within a wider context of unhelpful treatment from others; stereotypical perceptions; and societal structures, policies and resources that do not provide adequate support. The review situates these difficulties within an ecological framework, highlighting how external factors influence individual experiences. Possible support strategies are explored within this framework. It is argued that wider change is needed to government policy, practices, and funding to prioritise development of societal infrastructures to better support autistic females.

Tromans, C. and Wood-Downie, H. 2025. Exploring autistic females’ experiences of diagnosis in adolescence: What difficulties are faced during the post-diagnosis period and what support could be provided? Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 11 (1), pp. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8z3zv

Download (open access publication)

University of Southampton Educational Psychology research blog

Home

Recent Posts

Exploring autistic females’ experiences of diagnosis in adolescence: What difficulties are faced during the post-diagnosis period and what support could be provided? (2025)