Am I a neurodivergent female?
Saturday, February 17, 2024. This is for RB, who wants to think bigger thoughts...
Neurodiversity can be a characteristic of humans of all genders, but females have often been underrepresented and overlooked in both research and clinical practice.
Historically, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools have been based on male presentations of neurodivergent traits, leading to the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of females.
This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in conditions like autism, where females may exhibit different social and behavioral patterns than males.
Commonly referred to as the "female autism phenotype," these differences include better social camouflaging, masking of symptoms, and a higher prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
This is also called the ‘female protective effect’
In other words, there is something inherent in being female that reduces the likelihood of displaying autistic traits that meet expected diagnostic criteria...
Neurodivergence as a broader construct tends to be underdiagnosed in females, perhaps because females express their neurodivergence in ways that do not meet current diagnostic criteria.
Let’s discuss how neurodiverse women often engage in camouflaging (compensating for, and masking autistic characteristics) in social settings.
Autistic men tend to present with more visible behavioral problems, whereas women often internalize their symptoms more than men. This may result in autistic females experiencing more mood issues, such as anxiety and depression, than men in some cases.
However… not so fast… not all studies have fully supported this conclusion.
One large 2020 research review comparing behaviors between autistic males and females reported that autistic females were reported to have more externalizing behaviors.
On the other hand, another study, also reported that autistic males have more significant externalizing behaviors.
The same extensive literature review also reported that autistic females may present lower cognitive ability and adaptive functions, but generally, levels appear to be similar to autistic males.
We need more longitudinal studies are needed to draw clear conclusions about the diagnoses and behaviors among and between autistic males and females.
Researchers are still unsatisfied with their understanding of these differences, whether they are real or just a result of masking.
What is Masking?
Researchers believe that adult females and girls are more likely to mask their symptoms. This is particularly common among females at the lower support need end of the ASD spectrum.
Typical forms of masking include:
Forcing yourself to establish, or pretend to establish eye contact during conversations.
Preparing amusing things to say, or particular phrases to use ahead of time in conversations.
Using the actions of other humans as a behavioral template.
imitating the mannerisms and gestures of others.
While both autistic males and autistic females can camouflage their symptoms, this appears more common in females. Along with the differences in presentation, this could also explain why they’re less likely to be diagnosed as autistic.
Thought Leaders and Researchers
Female neurodiverse thought leaders and researchers have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of neurodiversity in females.
Temple Grandin provides invaluable insights into the sensory experiences and cognitive strengths of autistic girls and women, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing their talents.
Sarah Hendrickx focuses on dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding autism in females, highlighting the diverse ways in which autism manifests across genders.
Tania Marshall developes tools and frameworks for assessing and supporting neurodivergent females, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of their needs and experiences.
If you’re asking …am I a neurodivergent female?
Here are some baby steps to take…
For women questioning their neurodivergent identity, self-reflection is a crucial first step.
This involves examining one's experiences, strengths, challenges, and behavior patterns through the lens of neurodiversity.
Keeping a journal or diary can help document thoughts, feelings, and observations related to neurodivergent traits.
Discussions with trusted friends, family members, or support groups can also provide valuable insights and validation.
Seek support, and perhaps a formal diagnosis. A formal diagnosis from qualified professionals is sometimes essential for some humans seeking clarity about their neurodivergent identity. These clients often have serious family-of-origin issues from a lack of developmental support, such as love and affection.
Diagnosis can validate lived experiences, provide access to appropriate support services and accommodations, and facilitate self-understanding and acceptance.
However, a formal diagnosis is neither necessary nor appropriate in all cases. Your mileage may vary.
Final thoughts
It's essential to find healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about neurodiversity and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women.
Additionally, seeking out support groups or online communities can offer a sense of belonging and connection with others who share similar experiences.
Navigating neurodivergent identity as a female involves acknowledging the unique challenges and strengths of being neurodiverse in a predominantly neurotypical world.
By drawing on the insights of female neurodiverse thought leaders and researchers, neurodivergent women can better understand their identities and experiences.
Embracing neurodiversity as a natural aspect of human variation and challenging gender biases in diagnosis and research are essential steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all neurodivergent individuals, regardless of gender.
I’ll be diving deeper into the social justice issues for neurodiverse women in upcoming posts.
Live well, stay kind, and Godspeed.
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