Autism is often missed in women, girls and non-binary people. Why do you think this is?

Due to stereotyping and current general perceptions of autism, there is a huge gender issue with diagnoses. There is little research on females on the spectrum and our differences haven't been highlighted. The diagnostic criteria is based mainly on stereotypical male traits and a huge lack of awareness of one specific trait that is more common among females - that is 'masking'.

In your videos, you talk about how autistic women can often present differently to men on the spectrum. Do you think this is partly due to societal/gender stereotypes and expectations?

I would say that in life, I make an excellent actress. I became so good at hiding my traits, as well as mimicking and copying other peoples' behaviour. I had a major breakdown when I was 19 because I had massive identity problems and felt I didn’t recognise myself or know who I was. I find society very expectant in many ways purely based on the way I look and, because my autism is invisible, they are often dismissive of my struggles.

I find that being a female I am expected to behave a certain way to fit in socially which is why I have spent so much time masking. I think because of this societal pressure, females often develop the ability to mask. This could be why we are so often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. I often have people say to me "you don't LOOK autistic".

There are many misconceptions about autism that I'm trying to stamp out. I break stereotypes of autism because I am a high achiever and autism helps me to excel in many aspects of my life. I'm hoping that by sharing my story I can help change people's perception of what autism is and that it has no specific 'look'. Have a little more faith in us autistics!

Since being diagnosed and understanding all of this, I am slowly finding myself again. I still mask but I actively try to do it less so that I feel less pressure in social situations.

Your tattoo art is amazing! How long have you been doing it for?

I've been tattooing now for four years. I managed to find employment and be part of the 16% of autistic individuals that are in full time paid employment. Just living independently is difficult alone without throwing employment into the equation, but most of us want to work. It’s hard, but my creative side makes it easier and enjoyable. I feel very lucky to be able to do something I feel so passionate about for a living. Tattooing is my motivation. I feel like I'm connecting and being a part of society in my own little way, it is my therapy and a form of escapism when the pressure of life get too much. I absolutely love what I do.

What inspires your art?

Video games and virtual worlds that I can escape into.

I like to put my colourful imagination on to paper. I feel there has been a lot or dark times in my life that I associate with dark colours so when I draw I like a lot of bright colour.

There is something about bright colours that stimulates my brain in a positive way.

In many aspects of my life that I feel I can't control, art is something I am totally in control of. It’s my way of making sense of the world I live in.

It's giving people an insight into my imagination and hopefully they can see the beauty that my autism can offer...

Women and Girls online module

Access our online module here to find out more about autism in women and girls.