Neurodiversity in Gender
We believe in neuroinclusion to create neurodiverse (ND) teams through fostering an inclusive environment. In addition to the issues raised elsewhere in this neurodiversity hub, several gender-related factors can have an impact on neuroinclusion efforts or affect work relationships and career progression of neurodivergent individuals.
This section will summarize some of the gender-related aspects that have been reported and that may play a role in neuroinclusion. The information provided is from the section at the end which lists further reading and other resources.
Presentation and symptoms
The presentation and symptoms of some ND conditions may be different in women and girls than in men and boys. For example, the more “disruptive” and hyperactivity-related symptoms in ADHD may be less common in girls; and autistic girls and women tend to mask signs of autism. Compared to their male counterparts, neurodivergent women and girls are generally more motivated to better adapt and learn socially acceptable behaviours: this may represent what is termed “masking”. In addition, however, scientific reports suggest measurable differences in some aspects of the manifestations of dyslexia that support the notion of biologically defined differences in presentation.
These gender-related differences in neurocognitive function impact neurodivergent individuals, particularly women and girls, in multiple ways:
· Neurodivergent women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed (early). ND females with autism and ADHD are among those particularly underdiagnosed or not recognized.
· This lack of diagnosis leads to a lack of (early) support and early intervention/training opportunities for ND females which thus increases the likelihood of challenges in school and work later in life.
· As well as affecting quality of life and career opportunities, a lack of (early) diagnosis and support increases the likelihood of misdiagnosis later in life, due to stress and anxiety-related symptoms.
Stress and anxiety
In addition to the challenges directly related to their condition, female neurodivergent individuals tend to suffer from higher levels of chronic stress due to their ND condition.
· These elevated levels of stress are linked to the lack of (early) diagnosis and consequently the lack of support for these individuals, particularly in ADHD, for example.
· Their higher motivation to fit in socially leads to higher stress levels caused by social communication difficulties and sensory processing differences. Again, this may represent what is termed “masking”.
· Carer and family duties and responsibilities, often assumed more readily by the female gender, can cause additional stress factors.
· High levels of chronic stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD: these factors may subsequently influence (work) relationships and career opportunities thereby further aggravating their situation, particularly when misdiagnosed or remaining undiagnosed.
Perceptions and interactions
Gendered views can interfere with early diagnosis, optimal support and integration. The perception of the severity of symptoms, and of the difficulties associated with them, also differs between genders and likewise also the influence that some of the symptoms may have in establishing effective relationships in a work environment.
· Separate from possible gender-specific presentations (see Presentation & symptoms section above), symptoms of some conditions may be perceived differently when displayed by females or males. For example, in ADHD, inattentiveness may be interpretated as “dreamy” in girls and hyperactivity as “physically active and sportive” in boys; and women may be expected to be more socially engaged and/or skilled than men.
· The presentation and severity of an ND condition may be affected by hormonal fluctuations, in females whether due to menstrual cycle or menopause later in life, and for ADHD in particular. This may affect work activities and relationships and cause additional challenges for the ND individuals.
· Exposed to a hostile environment, female neurodivergent individuals are bullied in different ways than male; and the consequences of bullying may manifest differently, with negative impacts on self-identity and esteem.
Further reading / other resources
Resources Links
These two resources below are excellent and wide-ranging. The resources are not solely for women, but some of their content is aimed specifically at women and much else is relevant to women among all.
Neurodiversity in women
Women and Girls Professional Resources | Scottish Autism
Scottish Women’s Autistic Network
The Girl with the Curly Hair Project
Autistic Women and Girls | National Autism Society
Women and Autism | Autism Research Institute
Autism in Women | British Pyschological Society
How is Autism different in Women | Harvard Resources
ADHD symptoms in Women and Girls | CHADD
How to recognize ADHD in women | UCLA Health
Podcast with Marcia Brissett-Bailey / @theblackdyslexic
Do Girls and Boys Experience Mathematical Learning Problems Equally? | University of Cambridge
Neurodiversity in general
ADDitude website with excellent webinars and podcasts (USA)