In a recent report by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC, March 20), the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) reported in increased prevalence in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) diagnoses. USA surveillance figures for 2016 suggested a prevalence of 18.5 per 1,000 (one in 54) for children aged 8 years. ASD was 4.3 times more prevalent in boys than in girls. Norther Ireland school census figures for 2016/2017 showed 2.5 % of school aged children had autism compared to 1.3% in 2006/2007. The male to female ratio in these figures was 3.5% : 1% . Similar statistics are not available for the Republic of Ireland. There is a relative paucity of qualitative research exploring the needs and experiences of autistic adults, in particular autistic women. Employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology, the purpose of this study was to give voice to the lived experiences of seven autistic women. Semi-structured interviews were used to generate rich descriptions of the phenomenon. Data analysis identified four superordinate themes: (1) Experience of being (2) Being alongside others (3) Coping and resilience, and (4) Receiving and giving support. Participants highlighted their struggles in understanding and accepting themselves as well as in being understood and accepted by others. Social and communication challenges, particularly in interaction with non-autistic others, caused significant distress for all participants. Participants shared frustration with typical “talk” psychotherapies, which they felt were poorly suited to their needs. They expressed hope for greater understanding of the support needs of autistic women as well as a need for enhanced expertise of psychologists and psychotherapists who seek to support them. Resultant implication and recommendations for psychotherapy training, practice, supervision, and for autistic women themselves are presented