Embracing Neurodiverse Women: Illuminating the Spectrum

This is a special one today to celebrate and acknowledge International Women's Day. Every year, International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse challenges women face, and how hard many women have it. My reflection for today and the idea that I wanted to spotlight specifically, is the intricacies of neurodiversity, with a particular focus on autism, ADHD, and learning disorders – shedding light on the unique experiences of neurodiverse women.

As a late-diagnosed woman with ADHD and Autism, I am one of a growing demographic of our population who are openly identifying that life is not easy and that I need more support and help.

There are many reasons for the onsurge of late diagnosis which I will look into in this piece but what I always like to speak to is my personal experience - because it's mine - I've lived it and am living it every day. I cannot speak for all late-diagnosed women because we all have a different story, we all come from a different background, and we have all had different experiences in life that have triggered the need for assessment or the urge to explore their differences.

No one ever thought I was autistic because I was so clever I was talking and walking, by one year old. I started primary school when I was three. I was confident, talkative, headstrong, happy, and of course, I was a girl, all the things that autistic children with ADHD were not supposed to be. In fact I was an expert Masker from an early age and picked up the ability to adjust myself to the surroundings I was in and the expectations within those surroundings. Don't get me wrong there were many failures along the way, In university I failed anatomy 5 times in my studies to become a physiotherapist, this was never flagged, identified or questioned - I was just not up to it. There was never a question of the style of teaching or the exam type being not a good fit for me. When I entered the world of work, I excelled both as an employee and as an entrepreneur, with my engaging personality, my enthusiasm, my insights and ability to think differently, act on my feet and work hard to get shit done. But my inability to suffer fools, to handle conflict, bullying, workplace drama, or unethical work situations always triggered me to the point of explosion, where I would either, burn out, explode, meltdown, leave or get fired. One of my most memorable moments was when the MD of a company I was working for pulled me off a project (I had been working on for 4 years and had given my heart to) I threw all the paperwork off the boardroom table, told him to go fuck himself, stormed out of the meeting, slammed the door and still showed up to meet the client for dinner that evening (because I knew it was the right thing to do). I ran a pattern of having to start again from scratch - usually in a new industry because I resigned myself to thinking that perhaps that industry wasn't the best fit for me, I always knew I was quirky and different in my thinking, but intelligent and capable and built for success. My coworkers often called me a Maverick - I guess I understand why now. Hindsight is a great thing.

Of course, my diagnosis came many years later. When my son was identified to be autistic at 2 I started to delve into research and how to support autism. After I identified the characteristics as my own I asked his clinical psychologist to run an assessment on me.

Well, that's my story, or at least part there of and why I am so passionate about helping change the landscape of the workplace and to break the bias around neurodiversity and what it looks like to be autistic and that to be autistic to be neurodivergent is ok. It's actually a gift, a bonus if you have the opportunity to use it in the most effective way for you. And to do that takes a lot of self-discovery, identification and unmasking.

Now as I mentioned I am one of many and I feel lucky to have found personal development, meditation, coaching and a number of other external supports to help me along my journey. Not everyone is so lucky.

Lets look at the Statistics

The landscape of neurodiversity is vast, with statistics reflecting an intriguing gender divide. Recent studies show that neurodiversity, often associated with men, is a spectrum where women too occupy a significant space. Yet, the statistics reveal a notable underrepresentation of neurodiverse women in comparison to their male counterparts. Understanding these numbers is crucial for fostering inclusivity and tailored support.

Gender Differences

Neurodiversity doesn't discriminate, but its manifestation can differ between genders. Unravelling these differences is key to providing nuanced support. For instance, societal expectations often mould neurodiverse traits into gender-stereotypical behaviours, leading to misinterpretation and delayed recognition.

Underdiagnosis in Women

Historically, women have faced underdiagnosis in the neurodiverse community. Gender bias within healthcare and educational systems has perpetuated this disparity. The stereotype that neurodiversity predominantly affects men has further contributed to the oversight of neurodiverse women, impacting their access to crucial support and understanding.

Changing Trends

In recent years, a positive shift has occurred, with more women receiving neurodiversity diagnoses. Increased societal awareness and changing cultural perceptions have played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers. The recognition of neurodiversity as a spectrum that embraces both genders has been a catalyst for this transformative change.

Missed Signs and Symptoms in Girls and Young Women

The subtlety of neurodiverse symptoms in girls and young women often leads to misinterpretation or oversight. Societal expectations of conformity can mask neurodiverse traits, causing delays in diagnosis and intervention. Understanding these nuanced signs is critical for identifying neurodiversity in its early stages.

Historical Impacts

The historical misdiagnosis or oversight of neurodiversity in women has had profound consequences. Delayed intervention may have contributed to challenges faced by neurodiverse women throughout history. Acknowledging and rectifying these historical impacts is a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and understanding future.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate the positive changes in neurodiversity awareness, the journey is far from over. Early diagnosis and intervention remain paramount, ensuring that neurodiverse women receive the support they need. Continued dialogue, advocacy, and education will pave the way for a more inclusive world where neurodiversity is not only recognized but celebrated.

In embracing neurodiverse women and illuminating the spectrum, we empower them to embrace their unique strengths and challenges. By fostering understanding, awareness, and acceptance, we contribute to a world where neurodiversity is not only normalized but celebrated as an integral part of the rich tapestry of human experience.

On this International Women's Day, let's commit to amplifying the voices of neurodiverse women and building a future where every woman, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive.

About the Author;

Aisling Smith Vance, is a Neurodiversity Empowerment Specialist, an Amazon Best Selling Author, Podcaster, Professional Speaker, Master Hypnotherapist, High-Performance Coach, and Corporate Trainer.

Aisling focuses on supporting Inclusion, Empowerment, and Neurodiversity at home and in the Workplace.

1, Aisling Helps late diagnosed Neurodivergent Men and Women who are fed up and burnt out get to the next level in their careers and lives. She does this in her online Community; The Outliers Collective, through one-on-one coaching, online courses and group training. You can find out more here.

2, In the Workplace, Aisling cultivates a culture of inclusivity where every voice and talent is heard and recognised. She does this through Lunch & Learns, Executive Training and Workshops in Small, Medium and Large organisations and the Public Sector for teams and companies who care, who know the value of their employees and who want to harness and maximise their potential.

Aisling works with Untapped a globally renowned company that supports neurodivergent individuals in obtaining employment, places them in employment, upskills and trains both the individuals their employers and their colleagues within the business ensuring a neuroinclusive and neuroinformed workforce. If you are interested in discussing Neurodiversity in the Workplace contact Aisling Here

You can work with Aisling 1-1 or through your business - book your Free Personal or Business Empowerment Planning Session here.