For many women, a diagnosis—whether it’s Autism or ADHD, has a tendency to come later in life, and for some well into adulthood. This later-in-life discovery can bring clarity, validation, and a new understanding of lifelong experiences. There's a sense of retracing and reframing life experiences and a comfort in looking forward. But why do so many women go undiagnosed?
The answer often lies in the unique ways neurodiverse traits manifest in women. Unlike traditional stereotypes, which focus on hyperactivity or overtly disruptive behaviors, many women experience neurodiversity in ways that are more internalized or masked. For example, girls and women with ADHD may appear to be daydreamers or perfectionists rather than struggling with impulsivity or hyperactivity. Similarly, autistic women might excel at mimicking social cues, hiding their struggles with sensory overload, or misunderstanding social dynamics.
Social expectations also play a significant role. From an early age, many girls are conditioned to "blend in," suppressing behaviors that might stand out. This masking often leads to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed conditions, with many women being told they’re socially anxious, overly sensitive, or labelled with other mental health conditions. As adults, they might seek help for related challenges, such as burnout, chronic health conditions, anxiety, or difficulty maintaining relationships, only to discover their underlying neurodiverse traits.
This continues to be an evolving area of research and awareness as the voice of the autism community and neurodiversity movement expands the stereotype of what it means to have differences in neurotype.
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