Support for Women on the Autism Spectrum

​By Lexi Campbell, MSW, Psychotherapist

Women (cisgender, trans women, and other female-identifying individuals) are often diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) later in life as compared to cisgender men. Researchers have cited that cases of undiagnosed Autism may be as prevalent in the population as diagnosed Autism, with female-identifying individuals being particularly vulnerable to late or missed diagnoses (Belcher et al., 2022). The vulnerability to late diagnosis among women can be traced back to foundational research on ASD, which focused on young cisgender boys and led to a skewed understanding of its presentation— which, in turn, contributed to gaps in knowledge among clinical diagnosing professionals (Belcher et al., 2022; Price, 2022). There is now strong evidence indicating differences in Autism presentation as it relates to gender; female-identifying individuals tend to exhibit higher-than-expected social functioning and more prevalent social masking or camouflaging behaviors (accompanied by higher levels of social distress, such as loneliness), show less clearly visible behavior differences, demonstrate more inward-focused emotional challenges, and often experience greater difficulties with sensory sensitivity (Belcher et al., 2022). In a study conducted by Kentrou et al. (2024), researchers also found that one in three Autistic women reported at least one misdiagnosis before being accurately diagnosed with ASD, with Autistic women also reporting misdiagnoses more frequently than Autistic men. Late diagnosis and persistent misdiagnosis of ASD among women have been linked to greater mental health challenges later in life (Price, 2022). 

With this in mind, Taproot Therapy is facilitating an online support group specifically designed to address the needs of adult women on the spectrum. Led by a neurodivergent affirming clinician, this online therapeutic space will support group participants in exploring their unique experiences of Autism, facilitate collaboration on their specific support needs, help them gain Autism-specific coping tools, support a reduction in feelings of shame and guilt associated with their neurotype, and foster authentic connections with others who understand their journey. This 8-week group provides participants with a supportive community that encourages self-discovery, connection, and growth. Please see the agenda outline below for additional details.

Program Outline:
Week 1: My Autism Journey We begin our journey together by talking about your experiences with diagnosis or self-diagnosis and identifying your goals for this time together. 
Week 2: Know Thy Autism Discussion on the ASD brain, identifying your unique Autism strengths, and identifying your needs.  
Week 3: Sensory Sensitivity Solutions We talk all things sensory and explore what coping tools may be helpful in times of sensory overload. We learn about body scanning for sensory needs. 
Week 4: ASD & Masking Exploring Autistic masking and related challenges, as well as unmasking.
Week 5: Seeking Autistic Joy Discussion on your special and creative interests that make you, YOU! We lean into finding restorative joy in our special interests. 
Week 6: May I Be Kind to Myself  We dive into the challenges of living in a neurotypical-oriented world, and how to tackle our inner critic and those challenging “I shoulds.” 
Week 7: ASD Burn Out & Prevention Education and discussion on Autism Burnout. We design a burnout prevention plan that is unique to your needs. 
Week 8: Final Reflections Guided discussions on how to continue to support yourself moving forward and how to apply all that you’ve learned. 

Groups will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM via telehealth. Each meeting will be approximately 60 minutes in length.

The group is scheduled to start Tuesday, July 15th at 7:00PM. 

If you are interested in learning more, or if you would like to reserve a spot, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] today! 



References

Belcher, H.L., Morein-Zamir, S., Stagg, S.D. & Ford, R.M. (2022). Shining a Light on a Hidden Population: Social Functioning and Mental Health in Women Reporting Autistic Traits But Lacking Diagnosis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53, 3118-3132. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05583-2

Kentrou, V., Livingston, L.A., Grove, R., Hoekstra, R.A. & Begeer, S. (2024). Perceived     Misdiagnosis of Psychiatric Conditions in Autistic Adults. eClinical Medicine of The Lancet Discovery, 71 (102586). DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102586

Price, D. (2022). Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. Harmony Books.