Successful and satisfying life - at home, in education, in the workplace and in the community - usually requires a certain degree of social competence. Conversely, limited social and communication abilities are associated with a constellation of interpersonal, emotional, behavioural and occupational problems. Currently, females are much less likely than males to have their social communication difficulties (SCD) noticed and supported, despite the fact that > 5% of females have SCD at a level that is associated with impaired well-being and functioning. This is because there are gender differences in how SCD manifest; and current clinical and educational practices are biased against recognising and treating female-typical presentations. This reflects the current lack of a scientifically based understanding of SCD in females. The proposed research seeks to redress the gender imbalance in SCD research and clinical/educational practice. It aims to provide the first ever longitudinal account of a population-representative sample of females with SCD as they move through childhood and adolescence into early adulthood, providing a unique account of their evolving characteristics and needs. The findings would not only promote more accurate and timely identification of their difficulties; but would also highlight key areas for intervention.