Women with autism are underdiagnosed; the ratio of men to women successfully diagnosed with ASD is 3:1.[1] The diagnostic criteria were historically based on research conducted with young men and boys, leaving no frame of reference for how female autism manifests. Women with autism struggle differently than men (or other gender identities); there is an inherent difference in the expectations for women in society as opposed to their male counterparts.[2] 

  Women face the societal pressure of being palatable and emotionally intelligent, and deviation from the norm usually only causes ostracization. Hiding these manifestations of autism prevents effective diagnosis and often leads to lifelong distress in those who go without support.[3] 

  To explore this, Marcela has been created. Using the concept of mass production as a metaphor for the numerous masks that autistic women must create in their lifetime, the external form is smooth and pleasing to the eye, designed to minimize judgment. However, within the core of the form, there exists an unmasked figure. The true self.  Jagged, unpolished, and free, she wears her true emotions externally. The two forms, despite their differences, are both Marcela. While the Internal Marcela is kept safe, the External Marcela surrounds her and protects her with the false persona. 

[1] Loomes, Rachel et al. “What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 56, no. 6 (2017): , 466 – 474 Volume 56, Issue 6 

  [2] Lai, M.-C., Lombardo et al. “Quantifying and exploring camouflaging in men and women with autism.” Autism 21 no. 6 (November 2016) 690-702 

  [3] Lai, M.-C., Lombardo et al. “Quantifying and exploring camouflaging in men and women with autism.”