Autism is a complex and multifaceted form of neurodivergence, and includes multiple traits that can manifest in a variety of ways.
The “typical” widely known presentation of autism is generally based on white males with conventionally “masculine” features and interests, and much of the diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD in the DSM is based on research done on predominantly middle to upper-class white males.
Autistic women, transgender people, and people of color often have their traits and symptoms misdiagnosed, ignored, or interpreted as aggressive or manipulative when they were young. Estimates suggest that boys are four times as likely as girls to receive an autism diagnosis—likely due to a lack of understanding of what autism looks like in females.
Recent research finds that nearly 80% of autistic females are undiagnosed as of the age of 18.
This presentation will discuss and explore the following:
Discuss neurodivergence in girls and women:
- Identify how neurodivergence in women aligns and varies from the DSM criteria, and explore common misconceptions
- Understand differences in cognitive processing, executive functioning, sensory processing and communication
- Discuss masking: what is it?
Identify how and when to refer for an evaluation:
- Explore what type of testing and evaluation is most effective, and what might it look like
- Identify ethical and cultural considerations in diagnosing and referring
- Recognize and utilize neurodiversity affirming language
- Theory of mind: what is it really and how do you assess it? How does it look different in girls and women?
Identify treatment/interventions to best support neurodivergent females:
- Discuss nervous system regulation
- Identify and prevent autistic burnout and better understand masking
- Identify and create effective treatment plans
Dr. Ashley Taylor is a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Washington State, author, and founder of Wonder Tree Developmental Psychology. She specializes in providing comprehensive evaluations through a reflective, neurodiversity affirming lens. She has provided high quality care to those with neurodivergence for over 15 years. Dr. Taylor lives in Southwest Washington with her husband and two boys. She has recently become a yoga teacher and enjoys spending time with her family, pets, going hiking, snowboarding, and doing yoga. Wonder Tree Developmental Psychology has locations in Vancouver, Washington and Pasadena, California, providing an excellent team of developmental psychologists, occupational therapists, and educational specialists that support developmental across the lifespan.
Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, PsyD is a licensed pediatric clinical psychologist who provides and presents on regulation-based parenting support and neurodiversity-affirming assessments. She utilizes a developmental and relational approach that integrates current neuroscience to build resiliency. Dr. Joy is biracial of South Asian Indian/white descent and is committed to anti-oppressive practices. She is the author of A Kids Book About Nervous System Regulation.
