Diversity in Neurodivergence: Girls and Women with Autism w/ Caroline Garrett, MSW

This dynamic, 2-hour workshop provides participants with an overview of autism in girls and women, including an introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm and identity-first language. Common overviews of autism state that the neurodevelopmental disability occurs four times more often in boys; however, this is based on incomplete research evidence that does not consider different ways that girls can display autism symptoms. In-depth research across the lifespan considers historical diagnostic bias towards boys, which informed current autism criteria and behavioral manifestations. This newer knowledge reveals that girls and women are often diagnosed later in life than their male counterparts. This workshop introduces autism from a feminist, strengths-based neurodiversity perspective and explores historical points of view on autism and gender. An in-depth look into the Female Autism Phenotype theory explains why girls and women with autism often go unrecognized and the consequences of under-diagnosis. Together, participants will discuss successes and challenges in their fields and collaborate on methods to improve gender-competent care for individuals with autism.