Autism Test for Teenage Girl

If you’re a parent wondering whether your teenage daughter might be autistic, you’re not alone. Autism in girls can sometimes be harder to spot, as the signs often present differently than they do in boys. As a parent, you may notice certain behaviours—perhaps difficulties with social interactions, a need for routines, or emotional sensitivity—that raise questions about whether an autism assessment might be necessary.

This article will guide you through the autism testing process for teenage girls, explaining the signs to look out for, the steps involved in seeking an NHS or private diagnosis and what happens after the assessment. At Oxford CBT, we offer private autism tests in London, Oxford and surrounding areas, so if you live in one of these areas and decide a private assessment is the right choice for your daughter, we invite you to get in touch. 

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed, but knowing what to expect can help you support your daughter with confidence. Testing for autism can provide clarity and open the door to helpful support systems that can make a real difference in her life.

We’re here to reassure you that, whether or not your daughter is diagnosed with autism, understanding her needs is the first step toward helping her thrive. You may also like to read our article Autism Test: Teenagers.

How Do I Get My Teenage Daughter Tested for Autism?

If you believe your teenage daughter may be on the autism spectrum, getting an assessment can provide clarity and open up opportunities for the right support. Here’s a step-by-step guide to seeking an autism test, along with tips on how to involve your daughter in the process and reassure her if she’s feeling uncertain or resistant.

Step 1: Identify the Signs

Before seeking a formal assessment, it’s important to recognise the signs that might suggest your daughter is autistic. These can include difficulties with social interactions, sensitivity to sensory input, repetitive behaviours, or a need for routine. Keep track of specific behaviours that concern you, as this will be helpful during the assessment.

Step 2: Consult with a GP

In the UK, the first step is often to visit your GP. You can discuss your concerns, and the GP may conduct an initial screening and decide whether to refer your daughter for a full autism assessment. It’s important to explain that the referral process can take time, so being patient and persistent is key.

Step 3: Explore NHS or Private Options

• NHS Assessment: If referred by the GP, your daughter may receive an assessment through the NHS, which is free but can involve long waiting times. The assessment process typically includes interviews, questionnaires, and observations to gather a comprehensive understanding of her behaviours and challenges.
• Private Assessment: If quicker access to testing is important to you, a private autism assessment may be a more timely option. Many private clinics offer assessments, including Oxford CBT, where the process is typically faster, although it comes with a cost. A private clinic will follow similar diagnostic procedures to the NHS, but with more flexibility in scheduling.

Step 4: Prepare Your Daughter

As your daughter is in her teenage years, it’s important to recognise that she is old enough to have agency over this process. Encourage her to participate by explaining the benefits of an autism assessment, such as gaining a better understanding of herself and accessing helpful support. If she is hesitant or unsure about the test, try to reassure her by addressing her concerns directly:

• Be honest but reassuring: Let her know that the assessment is simply a way to understand more about how she experiences the world, and it’s not about labelling her. You could say something like, “This test is just to help us understand how your brain works so we can find ways to make life easier and less stressful for you.”
• Involve her in decision-making: Giving your daughter some control over the process can make her feel more comfortable. Let her know she can ask questions and have input into how the assessment is carried out. For example, if she feels anxious about the process, ask whether she’d prefer to have sessions at home, in a clinic, or even online.
• Focus on positives: Explain how the test might help her access support at school or in social situations, making things less overwhelming. Highlight that this could lead to strategies that can reduce stress and help her succeed in areas she might find challenging.

Free Autism Tests for Teenage Girls: Are They Reliable?

If you’re considering an autism assessment for your teenage daughter, you may come across free autism screening tools available online. These tools can be helpful in identifying certain behaviours that may be associated with autism, but it’s important to understand their limitations and how they differ from a formal assessment.

Overview of Free Autism Screening Tools Online

Several websites offer free autism screening questionnaires designed to give parents and teens a general sense of whether autism traits might be present. These tools typically ask questions about behaviours, social interactions, and sensory sensitivities. Examples of common online screening tools include the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and other questionnaires that aim to assess behaviours linked to autism.

While these tools can provide an initial indication, they are not diagnostic tests. They can help you determine whether it’s worth seeking a more comprehensive, formal evaluation but should not be relied upon for a definitive answer.

Screening Tools vs. Formal Assessments

It’s important to differentiate between online screening tools and formal autism assessments conducted by qualified healthcare professionals:

• Screening Tools: These are designed to identify potential signs of autism based on self-reported or parent-reported behaviours. They are usually brief and do not involve the in-depth observations and clinical expertise required for a diagnosis. Screening tools can be a useful starting point but should only serve as a preliminary step.
• Formal Assessments: Formal autism assessments, such as those offered by the NHS or private clinics, are far more comprehensive. They involve multiple stages, including detailed interviews, behavioural observations, and questionnaires filled out by parents, teachers, and the individual being assessed. A formal assessment is required to receive an official diagnosis, which can open the door to educational support, therapies, and other resources that may benefit your daughter.

How These Tests Can Guide You

Online screening tools can be helpful in determining whether it might be worth pursuing a full assessment. For instance, if the results of a free autism test suggest that your daughter exhibits several traits commonly associated with autism, this can guide you toward discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

However, it’s also important to keep in mind that NHS autism assessments, while comprehensive and free, often involve long waiting times. These assessments typically include multiple sessions with healthcare professionals, who will gather detailed information about your daughter’s behaviours, social skills, and communication patterns. 

Despite the wait, the thoroughness of these assessments ensures an accurate diagnosis. If you prefer to avoid a long wait, private assessments, such as those offered by Oxford CBT, are another option, though they come with a cost.

In summary, free online autism tests for teenage girls can be a helpful first step but should not be considered definitive. They may guide you toward seeking a formal assessment, where a more detailed and accurate diagnosis can be made.

What Does Autism Look Like in a Teenage Girl?

Autism in teenage girls can be difficult to recognise because the signs are often subtler than in boys, and girls tend to be better at masking their struggles. However, understanding the key signs and how autism may present differently in girls can help you identify when further evaluation may be necessary.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Teenage Girls

While every girl is different, there are some common behaviours and patterns that may suggest autism:

Social challenges

Teenage girls with autism often have difficulty making and keeping friends. They might feel overwhelmed in social situations and struggle to understand unspoken social rules. For example, your daughter may feel left out in group conversations because she can’t keep up with the changing topics or doesn’t understand the subtleties of humour and sarcasm. She may come home from school exhausted, not from the academic workload but from the mental effort it takes to navigate friendships.

• Scenario: Your daughter might appear to have friends at school but rarely interacts with them outside of class. She might be anxious before social gatherings, unsure of how to join conversations or pick up on social cues, leading her to spend much of her time alone or clinging to routines she finds comforting.

Sensory sensitivities

Many girls with autism are hypersensitive to sounds, lights, or certain textures. For example, your daughter might get upset when the classroom is too noisy, or she may refuse to wear certain clothes because they feel scratchy or uncomfortable. What seems like a small inconvenience to others can be deeply distressing for her.

• Analogy: Imagine being in a room with bright lights that never turn off, constant background noise, and clothing that feels like it’s full of itching powder. This is what sensory overload can feel like for a teenage girl with autism—constantly managing an environment that feels too intense for her senses.

Emotional regulation difficulties

Autistic teenage girls may experience heightened emotions, leading to frequent emotional outbursts, or they may withdraw completely when overwhelmed. For example, your daughter might have intense meltdowns over seemingly small issues, like a last-minute change in plans. These moments are often her way of releasing the build-up of anxiety and frustration she feels from everyday challenges.

• Scenario: Your daughter might come home from school and have what appears to be a meltdown over something small, like her favourite food not being available. This may be a result of her having held in her stress and anxiety all day, and the smallest disruption to her routine can trigger an emotional release.

Fixations and special interests

Girls with autism often develop intense and narrow interests, sometimes to the exclusion of other activities. For instance, your daughter might be completely absorbed in reading about a particular topic (like animals, a TV show, or art), spending hours learning everything she can about it. While special interests are common in teenagers, girls with autism may focus on these subjects to the point where it interferes with other areas of their life, such as schoolwork or social interactions.

• Analogy: Imagine having a favourite hobby that brings you comfort and joy, but instead of just being one of many interests, it becomes your entire focus. For your daughter, diving into her special interest may be a way to manage the stress of the outside world, allowing her to feel in control.

Repetitive behaviours

Your daughter might engage in repetitive actions, like tapping her fingers, rocking, or other forms of “stimming” (self-stimulatory behaviour), especially when she’s anxious or overstimulated. Although some girls hide these behaviours in social settings, they may still engage in them when they’re alone or in a safe environment.

• Scenario: After a long, stressful day at school, your daughter might retreat to her room and engage in repetitive activities, like pacing or hand-flapping, which help her regulate her emotions. These behaviours may not be immediately visible to others but are her way of calming herself down after feeling overwhelmed.

How Autism Presents Differently in Girls Compared to Boys

Girls are often better at masking their autism, meaning they may learn to imitate social behaviours by observing others. For example, your daughter might carefully watch how her classmates interact and mimic their actions to fit in, even though she doesn’t fully understand why certain social norms exist. She might smile and nod in conversations while internally feeling confused or anxious about what’s being said. This ability to mask symptoms often delays diagnosis in girls.

• Scenario: Your daughter might appear to fit in at school, laughing at jokes and participating in conversations, but at home, she’s exhausted and may express that social situations make her anxious or confused. While she’s developed ways to blend in, these coping mechanisms can take a toll on her mental health.

Girls with autism may also be more likely to internalise their struggles. While boys with autism are often identified due to outward signs of hyperactivity or disruptive behaviour, girls are more likely to suffer in silence, often becoming perfectionistic or highly anxious in an attempt to cope with their challenges.

When to Seek Further Evaluation

If you notice any of these signs in your daughter, it might be worth seeking a formal evaluation to better understand her needs. Early diagnosis can provide access to the right support and resources, allowing her to thrive in both social and academic environments. Even if she appears to be coping well on the surface, an evaluation can help uncover any hidden struggles she may be experiencing.

Recognising the signs of autism in teenage girls and understanding how they present differently can help you provide the support your daughter needs to feel more confident and understood. If these behaviours resonate with your experience, seeking further assessment could be a positive next step.

Autism Testing for Teens: What is the Process?

The autism assessment typically involves:

• Interviews and questionnaires: You, your daughter, and possibly her teachers will be asked about her behaviour, communication, and challenges.
• Observations: The clinician may observe how your daughter interacts in different settings, like during a conversation or while completing tasks. This is to see how she responds to social cues, routines, and changes.
• Feedback session: Once the assessment is complete, the clinician will review the findings and provide a diagnosis if applicable. They will also offer recommendations for support, whether it’s through therapy, educational accommodations, or other resources.

Reassuring your daughter and involving her in the process can make all the difference in ensuring she feels comfortable and supported. Whether or not the outcome is a diagnosis, the insights gained from the assessment can help her understand herself better and allow you to provide the right kind of support as she navigates her teenage years.

Autism Tests for Teens vs. Adults: Key Differences

Autism assessments vary depending on the age of the individual being tested, with notable differences between assessments for teenagers and adults. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for the process and know what to expect when seeking an autism evaluation for a teenage girl.

Differences in the Testing Approach Between Teens and Adults

The way autism manifests and is evaluated can change with age, which is why the assessment process for teenagers often differs from that for adults. Here are some key distinctions:

• Developmental History: For teenagers, particularly younger teens, an emphasis is placed on their childhood development. Clinicians may request detailed information about the girl’s early years, including milestones related to speech, social interactions, and emotional regulation. In contrast, adult assessments tend to focus more on current behaviours and challenges, although childhood history remains relevant. For teens, parents or caregivers play a larger role in providing input during the assessment.
• Social Environment Focus: Teen-focused autism assessments take into account the context of school life, friendships, and family dynamics. Questions and observations are often tailored to explore how the teen interacts with peers, how she copes in academic settings, and whether she struggles to fit in socially. This contrasts with adult assessments, which focus more on workplace interactions, relationships, and independence in daily life.
  Example: In a teen assessment, the clinician may ask how the girl handles group projects at school or whether she struggles to join in with classmates at lunchtime. For adults, questions might be more about how they manage workplace communication or social obligations.
• Emotional and Behavioural Regulation: Teenagers with autism may present emotional or behavioural challenges differently from adults. The assessment for teens often looks closely at how they handle stress, frustration, or social pressures. Teenagers may be more prone to emotional meltdowns or shutting down in overwhelming situations, and the assessment will explore these emotional responses. In adults, emotional regulation issues may be expressed more subtly, through anxiety or avoidance behaviours rather than visible outbursts.
  

What to Expect in a Teen-Focused Assessment

• Parental Involvement: A key difference in the teen assessment process is the active role parents or caregivers play. Since teens are still in the developmental phase, parents often provide crucial insights into early childhood behaviour, social experiences, and challenges the teen faces at home or school. In adult assessments, while family input can be useful, the focus is more on self-reporting from the individual.
• Structured Observations: In a teen-focused assessment, the clinician may observe how the teenager interacts with her environment and peers. This can be done in a clinical setting through specific tasks or conversations, or even via reports from teachers and school staff about her behaviour in educational settings.
• Questionnaires for Teens and Parents: Both the teenager and the parents may be asked to complete questionnaires to gather information about behaviours, emotional regulation, social interaction, and daily routines. This dual perspective helps the clinician create a fuller picture of the teen’s experiences, as she may not fully understand or be able to articulate all her challenges.
• Cognitive and Social Functioning: The assessment will explore the teen’s cognitive abilities, such as how she processes information and solves problems, and her social functioning, including her ability to form relationships and understand social cues. The clinician will also look for any repetitive behaviours or sensory sensitivities that are common in autism.

In summary, teen-focused autism assessments differ from adult assessments in their approach, with a greater emphasis on developmental history, social context, and parental input. By focusing on these areas, the clinician can better understand how autism affects the teen’s daily life and what support she may need to thrive.

The Importance of Parental Input in the Diagnostic Interview and Assessment

Parental involvement in the autism testing process is vital, particularly for teenagers, as parents and caregivers can provide critical information about the girl’s developmental history, behaviours, and experiences that the teen herself may not recall or understand fully.

• Developmental History: One of the key areas that clinicians explore during an autism assessment is the girl’s early developmental milestones. Parents or caregivers often provide details about childhood behaviour, including early speech patterns, motor skills, social interactions, and any repetitive or sensory-sensitive behaviours. These details offer essential context for understanding how autism may have impacted the teen from an early age.
  Example: You may be asked questions like, “At what age did she begin speaking?” or “Did she show early signs of difficulty in socialising with other children?” Your answers will help the clinician map the timeline of potential autism-related behaviours.
• Behavioural Patterns: During the assessment, clinicians also rely on parental observations of current behaviours, particularly in contexts where the teen might mask her symptoms in public. Parents can provide valuable insight into how their daughter acts at home compared to school or other social settings, shedding light on potential masking of symptoms and helping identify specific triggers for stress or anxiety.
  Example: You might note patterns such as, “She seems to hold it together at school but is very emotional and withdrawn once she’s home.” This kind of input helps the clinician see the full picture of her experience.
• Emotional and Social Challenges: Parents often know best how their daughter copes with social relationships, emotional regulation, and day-to-day challenges. Your input about how she handles friendships, changes to routines, or overwhelming situations provides a more accurate understanding of her emotional and social world.

By offering detailed observations and participating in the assessment process, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis. Your insights will help shape the recommendations for support, therapy, or educational accommodations that may follow the diagnosis, ensuring that your daughter receives the best possible care tailored to her needs.

Autism Test Through the NHS: What Are the Options?

Accessing an autism test for your teenage daughter through the NHS is a common and trusted route, but it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges, including long waiting times. The NHS provides comprehensive and free autism assessments, but due to the high demand, securing an appointment can take a considerable amount of time.

How to Access Autism Testing Through the NHS

While NHS autism assessments are thorough and free, it is common for waiting lists to stretch from 18 months to several years, and in some regions, even longer. This waiting period can be particularly challenging for families, especially when a child is already struggling with the demands of school and social life.

The Impact of Long Waiting Times

A multiple year wait can unfortunately feel like a lifetime for a teenage girl who is already finding social situations and schoolwork difficult. For a 14-year-old girl, two years without a diagnosis could mean struggling through critical developmental years without access to the appropriate support or accommodations. This period could see her fall behind in school, experience worsening social anxiety, or become increasingly isolated, because she lacks the formal diagnosis needed to unlock support.

A 14-year-old girl showing clear signs of autism but waiting over two years for an NHS diagnosis may continue to struggle with schoolwork, socialising, and emotional regulation, often feeling misunderstood by her peers and teachers. Without a formal diagnosis, she may not receive essential adjustments, such as extra time in exams or therapeutic support, potentially affecting her confidence and academic performance. By the time she receives a diagnosis at 16, the strain of those critical teenage years may already have taken a toll on her emotional well-being and self-esteem.

The Benefits of Earlier Private Diagnosis

Alternatively, seeking a private diagnosis for autism through services like those offered by Oxford CBT allows for much quicker access, often within a few weeks or months. A private assessment not only speeds up the process but ensures that your daughter can begin receiving targeted support sooner, whether through therapy, school accommodations, or other interventions. Early intervention can make a significant difference, providing your daughter with the tools she needs to manage social and academic challenges effectively.

In this scenario, the same 14-year-old girl undergoes a private autism assessment and receives a diagnosis within a few months. With the diagnosis, she gains access to tailored school support, including extra time in exams, structured learning approaches, and possibly one-on-one assistance. By the time she’s 16, she is receiving regular therapy, has a clearer understanding of her strengths, and feels more supported in her social and academic life.

Access to Benefits and Support

One of the key advantages of receiving a formal diagnosis, whether through the NHS or a private provider, is that it can serve as supporting evidence when applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This benefit can provide crucial financial support, enabling access to therapies, educational resources, and specialised support services that might otherwise be unavailable. For families, DLA can help cover the costs of autism-friendly therapies, sensory tools, and private sessions that can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and ability to thrive.

Ultimately, the decision between waiting for an NHS diagnosis and seeking a private one depends on your family’s circumstances. While the NHS offers a free and thorough service, the long waiting times can delay access to the support your daughter may urgently need. A private diagnosis, although more costly, can expedite the process, allowing your daughter to begin receiving the help she deserves, along with potential access to benefits like DLA, which can open the door to additional support and therapies.

What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your teenage daughter can bring a sense of clarity and relief, but it also raises questions about the next steps. Knowing that a diagnosis opens the door to essential support services and interventions can be incredibly reassuring. Here’s what to expect after your daughter is diagnosed with autism and how to navigate the path forward.

Support Services and Educational Accommodations

After a diagnosis, one of the first areas of focus is often on the educational support your daughter can receive. Schools are required to make reasonable adjustments for students with autism, ensuring they have equal access to learning and opportunities for success. These accommodations might include:

• Extra time in exams: If your daughter struggles with processing information quickly, she may be eligible for additional time during tests and exams to help reduce pressure and anxiety.
• Individualised learning plans: Schools can create personalised plans to address her specific needs, whether that’s providing more structured routines, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, or offering one-on-one support.
• Sensory-friendly environments: If your daughter is sensitive to loud noises or bright lights, adjustments can be made to create a more comfortable learning environment. This might include access to quieter areas or permission to wear noise-cancelling headphones.

In many cases, the school may develop an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), which sets out the specific educational and health needs of your daughter and the support she requires.

Therapy Options

There are various therapeutic approaches that can be beneficial for teenagers diagnosed with autism. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your daughter’s specific challenges and strengths, but common options include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is especially helpful for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and social skills. Oxford CBT offers tailored CBT programs that help individuals with autism understand and manage their emotions, deal with overwhelming situations, and develop coping strategies. CBT can be particularly effective in helping teens build confidence in their ability to navigate social situations and manage sensory sensitivities.
• Speech and Language Therapy: If your daughter struggles with communication, speech and language therapy can help her improve her verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This type of therapy can also assist with understanding social cues and developing stronger conversational skills.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): OT is useful for addressing sensory processing issues and helping teenagers with autism develop practical skills for everyday life. An occupational therapist might work with your daughter on activities that help her feel more comfortable with sensory input or improve fine motor skills needed for tasks like writing or using tools.
• Social Skills Training: Social skills groups or one-on-one sessions can help your daughter learn how to engage more comfortably with peers, understand social rules, and develop meaningful friendships.

Accessing Additional Support

In addition to therapies and school-based support, there are other services and resources available to help your daughter thrive after her diagnosis:

• Support groups: Many families find that joining support groups—either for parents or for teenagers with autism—offers a sense of community and shared understanding. These groups provide a safe space to discuss challenges, share advice, and learn from others’ experiences.
• Financial support: As mentioned earlier, a formal autism diagnosis can be used as supporting evidence for applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which can help cover the costs of therapies, sensory tools, or specialist care. This financial support can make it easier to access resources that improve your daughter’s quality of life.

How Oxford CBT Can Help

At Oxford CBT, we are dedicated to supporting your daughter’s journey post-diagnosis. We offer a range of tailored therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is designed to help teenagers with autism better understand their emotions and develop strategies for managing anxiety, social interactions, and daily challenges.

Our team also works closely with families to provide guidance on the best ways to support your daughter’s development, whether through therapy, educational strategies, or access to additional services. We believe that with the right tools and interventions, your daughter can thrive and feel more confident in her abilities.

Moving Forward

An autism diagnosis is the first step toward understanding your daughter’s unique needs and helping her reach her full potential. With the right combination of educational adjustments, therapy, and family support, she can navigate the challenges she faces and build on her strengths. Whether through school accommodations, therapeutic interventions, or community support, there are many pathways to ensuring that your daughter feels empowered, supported, and ready to embrace her future.

Conclusion

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your teenage daughter marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with understanding and support. While the journey leading up to the diagnosis may have been challenging, this moment opens up pathways for meaningful interventions that can greatly improve her quality of life. From tailored educational accommodations to therapeutic options like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), your daughter will now have access to the tools and support she needs to navigate her world with more confidence and ease.

The diagnosis also brings the potential for additional resources, such as financial support through Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which can help fund crucial therapies and services that may have previously been out of reach. By embracing this new understanding of your daughter’s unique needs, you are taking important steps to ensure she has the best chance to thrive, both academically and socially.

At Oxford CBT, we’re here to guide you through every stage of this process, offering specialised therapies and compassionate support tailored to your daughter’s needs. With the right help, your daughter can build resilience, manage her challenges, and develop the confidence to succeed in her own way. Together, we can create a positive future where she feels understood, supported, and empowered to reach her full potential.

Bibliography

This information contained within this article was compiled using the following resources:

National Autistic Society – Information about autism and diagnostic processes: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis 

NHS – Overview of autism and how to access autism testing: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/

Autism Speaks – Information on autism in girls and how it differs from boys: https://www.autismspeaks.org/girls-and-autism 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Guidelines on autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142 

Author – Tom Murfitt

With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here.  

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