---
title: Can autism be newly recognized in a young woman at college who is also struggling with distress and anxiety?
description: In this single case, yes. A woman being treated for distress and anxiety was also found to meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. One case cannot show ho
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/evolution-the-menstrual-cycle-and-theoretical-overreach-2020/
---

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- Can autism be newly recognized in a young woman at college who is also struggling with distress and anxiety?

Study, 2020

# Can autism be newly recognized in a young woman at college who is also struggling with distress and anxiety?

In this single case, yes. A woman being treated for distress and anxiety was also found to meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. One case cannot show how often this happens or whether it would help everyone.

 Early or limited evidence

One young woman at college being treated for dysphoria and anxiety, who was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

## What they did

This is a report of one college student's case. The author describes a young woman who was being treated for dysphoria and anxiety and was evaluated and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during that treatment. The author also explains common features of autism, conditions that often occur alongside it, and the campus services available to students.

## What they found

The student was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder while being treated for dysphoria and anxiety. Learning about this diagnosis led to better self-understanding and helped her discover new sources of support.

## What it means for you

College mental health staff may increasingly meet students with undiagnosed autism, and knowing the signs could help these students get better support. This is based on one person's experience, so it cannot show how common this situation is or guarantee the same outcome for others.

## About the study

Original title Evolution, the Menstrual Cycle, and Theoretical Overreach Authors Kiesner J, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Mendle J Journal Perspectives on psychological science : a journal of the Association for Psychological Science Year 2020 Study design Study What was tested A diagnostic evaluation for autism spectrum disorder carried out during ongoing mental health treatment. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/1745691620906440](https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620906440)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

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