Help Gender and neurodiversity
Autism and ADHD present themselves slightly differently in girls compared to boys. For a long time, this meant girls were likely to go undiagnosed and miss out on the support and treatment they needed. More research has since been done in this area, and clinicians can now accurately diagnose autism and ADHD in girls.
Research has also shown that autistic people are more likely to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or transgender. See more information relevant to these topics below.
Autistic women and girls
This PDF from Autism West Midlands outlines differences in communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviours, special interests and social understanding between boys and girls. Girls may be more likely to ‘mask’ their symptoms, have better social understanding, and acquire language earlier, which may mean their autism goes unnoticed.
Go to Autism West Midlands pdf
Autistic Girls Network
The Autistic Girls Network is a UK based charity campaigning for better recognition of autism in girls and supporting autistic girls in feeling understood. Their website is a useful source of information and resources about autism in girls.
Read more about Autistic Girls Network
Autistic Women and Non-binary Network
The AWN is based in the US, but their website has webinars and resources on the intersection between autism and gender.
Read more about autism and gender
ADHD in girls and women
This article on the Psychiatry UK website outlines what ADHD might look like in girls.
Read more about ADHD in girls and women
Clare Project
This booklet from the Clare Project, an organisation supporting trans and non-binary people in Sussex, looks at the experience of autism and ADHD for trans and non-binary individuals.
Go to booklet
ADHD Foundation
This article by the chair of the ADHD Foundation discusses how women and girls might experience ADHD differently
Go to article about females and ADHDAnonymous Doctor blog
A female doctor diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood shares her experience with ADHD through school and into adulthood.
Read Anonymous Doctor blog
Leeds Gender Identity Service
The Leeds Gender Identity Service offers assessment and support to people aged 17 and above with Gender Dysphoria.
Go to website
Out 2 18 and Transtastic
Out 2 18 is an LGBTQ group for young people, aged 13 to 18, that have issues with homophobia, housing, scene life and sexual health.
Transtastic is a Trans youth group for people aged 13 to 18 years old who identify as Trans, aimed to support Trans people with a wide range of activities and mutual peer support.
Find out more information
GIRES - Gender Identity Research and Education Society
GIRES is a professionally managed membership charity that hears, helps, empowers and gives a voice to trans and gender diverse individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender, as well as their families.
Go to website
Boys vs. Girls: How Puberty Affects ADHD Symptoms
This article on the ADDitude website provides information on the impact of hormonal changes on boys and girls with ADHD.
Go to websiteWas this helpful?
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