School says she's fine, but home is meltdowns every night? That gap has a name. The signs of masking in children, and where to start.

Autism in girls often looks quieter, more socially “capable,” and more anxious — which means many are missed. This article explores the hidden signs of autism in girls, including masking, after-school collapse, sensory sensitivities, perfectionism, and intense friendships. Learn why girls are diagnosed later, what the “cost of coping” really means, and how to spot patterns that may have been overlooked.