Sad reason 31-year-old woman has never had a boyfriend

My life has always been marked by a strange duality.I was Dux of my high school, but I had no best friend to trade secrets and friendship bracelets with.I graduated with a double-degree, but I couldn’t make eye contact with the cute guys in my classes.I work professionally and was headhunted for a PhD scholarship, but at age 31 I’ve still never had a boyfriend.The shame of my difference was all-consuming until I was diagnosed as autistic at age 28.Finally, my life made sense: my sensory quirks, mental health struggles, and especially my “social awkwardness”.For many women like me, an autism diagnosis comes later in life – if we’re ever diagnosed at all.Stay up on the very latest with Evening Update.

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Never miss a story.According to recent research, nearly 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed at age 18.For a long time, autism was considered a “male” condition, with four times as many boys diagnosed as girls.Now, though, experts are realizing that autism is much more common in girls and women than previously thought.Still, the diagnostic criteria for autism remains male-centric, meaning girls and women often remain undiagnosed and unsupported.Yet even with a diagnosis, autistic women often face barriers receiving appropriate support.Take, for example, my experience with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).According to the NDIS, the scheme prioritizes participant “choice and control” and supports that are “reasonable and necessary” to improve disabled people’s quality of life, independence, and social skills.Applying to the NDIS, I was hopeful I’d finally get some help – support I need particularly because of my social isolation.I have no partner, and both of my parents have died.After a year of waiting on my application, I got a life-changing call f...