Autism
in Girls Checklist

A gentle, practical tool for recognising the often-missed signs of autism in girls and assigned-female-at-birth (AFAB) children.

Many children go unseen or misunderstood, especially when their autism shows up in quieter, more internalised ways.

 

This printable resource is designed to help you notice what matters, even when it’s subtle.

What’s Included:

A 5-page downloadable checklist exploring traits across five key areas:

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• Social Interaction & Communication
  Think scripted conversations, social mimicry, or avoiding small talk rather than avoiding people.

• Emotional Regulation & Sensitivity
  From perfectionism and shutdowns to overwhelming empathy and meltdowns behind closed doors.

• Routines, Repetition & Interests
  Intense passions that may seem "typical" (e.g. animals, characters) but are deeply immersive.

• Sensory Processing
  Includes both sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant behaviours, often hidden in plain sight.

• Masking & Coping Strategies
  The camouflage so many girls use to "get by" while feeling overwhelmed inside.

 

Each section includes an Often / Sometimes / Rarely scale for reflection... no pressure, no labels, just insight.

 

Who It’s For:

• Parents and carers wanting to better understand their child’s inner world

• Teachers or professionals noticing something’s “not quite right” but unsure how to name it

• Older children and teens (explored together) to support self-awareness and advocacy

This resource is not diagnostic, but it can open up vital conversations and support your journey with professionals or schools.

 

Why It Matters:

Autism in girls and AFAB children is often missed.

Their challenges might not look like what checklists

usually describe but they’re real, and they deserve to be seen.