Girls, Masking & Staying in Sport

Why girls need deliberate attention

NICE states that autism may be under-recognised in girls, while NHS guidance notes that masking can make autistic women harder to recognise. NICE’s ADHD guideline also states that ADHD is thought to be under-recognised in girls and women.

This is a reason to improve awareness and listening — not a reason for coaches to diagnose girls.

Masking

A girl may copy peers, hide discomfort, stay very quiet or appear to manage a social situation while using significant effort to do so. Not every autistic girl masks, and masking is not exclusive to girls or women.

What this can look like in sport

A participant may attend every week yet find the arrival routine, noise, waiting, social expectations or sudden changes difficult. A girl may leave after a few sessions without ever having complained. We should not infer a diagnosis from this; we should make it easier for all girls to explain what helps.

Low-pressure check-ins

• “Was anything difficult to follow today?”
• “Would you prefer me to explain anything differently next time?”
• “Is there anything about the venue or waiting that would make sessions easier?”
• Offer a written option where appropriate.

Universal design first

If an adjustment would help lots of people, consider making it standard rather than forcing each individual to request it. Clear schedules, advance information, labelled spaces and predictable communication can benefit many participants.

Do not screen through sport forms

Ordinary feedback forms should not ask girls to prove or disclose autism, ADHD, medication, detailed mental-health history or other sensitive information unless there is a specific, necessary and properly governed reason.

Staying and progressing

Do not assume a girl who wants clearer information or sensory support has lower sporting ambition. Ask what she wants next: another session, competition, coaching, officiating or leadership.