AuDHD in Women: Missed, Dismissed, Reclaiming Your Voice
Dr Samantha Hiew
Humanising Neurodiversity & Intersectionality to Bridge the Empathy Gap, Foster Connection, Belonging & Safety? | Difference Maker | Neurodiversity Speaker | Scientist | Founder
Hey, look here.
Yes, look here.?
Here is where we get together in a safe space to unpack the AuDHD identity in the context of our lives.
Because we are multidimensional human beings with joys and battle scars from our unique beginnings?and lives in motion. Our stories pave the way for our way forward.?
I’ve shared my journey in getting a “working diagnosis” of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurodivergence that commonly co-occurs with ADHD (up to 80-90%). From where I stand now, it felt as though I had to work very hard to get it.?
Autism and ADHD: Why do some of us have an official diagnosis for one label and may not meet the clinical threshold for diagnosis for another??
This means that for those who have received the diagnosis, many more haven’t because the labels do not fully encapsulate our existential realities. You are still looking for some answers.?
The thing is, our realities do not all fit into a neat box.?
And what we have yet to understand is just how AuDHD manifests in people who have eclectic neurotypes, biology and lives that transcend beyond the narrow criteria of assessment, which were designed to be biased.
How does AuDHD manifest in a woman, whose biology changes across the month, larger biological transitions, and life circumstances that increase the demands on our energy.?
Does a Label Matter??
It matters to know who you are. Whether you are diagnosed or not, seeking one, knowing who you are opens up a world of awareness and acceptance, integrating our sense of self and understanding what we need from ourselves and in our relationships.?
Mostly, a label gives us a sense of validation so we can learn to accept what has been, our coping strategies, and to be at peace with all the parts of us that may currently live in disharmony, especially upon encountering triggers.?
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A Safe Space
In our search for glimmers that light up our nervous system, this space will help you to feel seen, validated, and soothed. I know it’s a space I hope existed when I wished someone would understand. You know what they say... If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.
I hope you join me in a beautiful theatre space in April as we collectively unpack the complexity of the AuDHD label that has yet to make it into the DSM.
Maybe because we just can’t be boxed neatly.?
Together, we'll explore an inclusive perspective of living as an AuDHDer (and the science!) and rally in:
Perhaps we will even make history. Who's in?
Join us here.
About the author:
Named a Difference Maker by PBS America and finalist of Positive Role Model for Gender by National Diversity Awards from 90,000 nominations, Dr Samantha Hiew is a visionary change agent using storytelling to inspire a global mindset and systemic change.
Sam is a highly sought-after Neurodiversity, Women’s Empowerment, and Intersectionality Keynote Speaker, working with over 80 FTSE companies to foster neuroinclusion – a long way from founding ADHD Girls at 40 after a decade of existential crisis.
Built on insights from the neurodiverse community and a strong background in science communications and PhD, Sam weaves neurology, psychology, and biology with real-life scenarios to provide a more human perspective of neurodiversity. This approach helps us reframe our experiences from empowerment.
By fostering an environment of belonging and psychological safety, Sam promotes neuroinclusion and enhances employee productivity and retention rates. This approach is truly transformative, changing individual workplaces and broader societal attitudes towards neurodivergent. Her work serves as a catalyst for positive change that encourages unity over division.
#AuDHD #WomenWithADHDAndAutism #Neurodiversity #AuDHD
Helping Neurodivergent Tech Professionals Balance Career Growth & Family Life Without Overwhelm.
1 个月Important event Samantha.
Hope Holder, Mental Health Activist, Suicide Prevention, Suicide Awareness, Amplifier of Mental Health Carer Voice, Stigma Smasher, Bridging Gaps Using Expressive Art, Keynote Speaker, Lost Girl Found
1 个月Julie Osborn
Junior Examiner at the at the Registrar Deeds
1 个月The road to diagnosis is indeed a very long one. I never knew my sister was also an ADHD sufferer. She had told me that she had had OCD. I did suspect depression and I was right about that.She never told me anything about having ADHD but I suspected it along but I had done enough reading about the ADHD girl child and it follows that that diagnosis was made. I was aware that in the UK, ADHD was not a recognised condition and that patients who met the criteria for ADHD but they have been considered to be on the spectrum. I did not realise that AutDHD was a recognised diagnosis. I was initially surprised when I got news of my sister being diagnosed as having AutDHD. But thinking about it and realising what it was in conjunction with knowing her as my sister, the piece's of the puzzle started falling into place.. This group would be a good fit for my sister. I will send the link to her.She is, according to what I have seen of her in the last 5 year's, teetering on the edge of full blown burn out. Her life has taken a few drastic turns in the last year's. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, chronic depression disorder and chronic anxiety. When we told close family about this, we were ridiculed.
Lenix McAllister do you want to come to this with me? I won’t make it a work thing ?? but I think it’ll be good for you to learn more
ESL and Italian Teacher Former Communication Aide (non-certified SLPA) Certified Registered Behavior Technician
1 个月It’d be interesting to have the chance to participate from the US. I’d love for it to be a webinar that could be attended live or with the possibility of recording and viewing at a later time.