By Thalia Kattoura | Staff writer
The misdiagnosis of neurodivergent women refers to the phenomenon where women who have neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others, are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or overlooked altogether by healthcare professionals. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including gender bias, stereotypes, and a lack of understanding of how neurodivergent conditions may manifest differently in women compared to men.
One key factor contributing to the misdiagnosis of neurodivergent women is the fact that the diagnostic criteria for many neurodivergent conditions were historically developed based on studies conducted mostly on males, resulting in a male-biased diagnostic framework. For example, autism was originally conceptualized as a predominantly male condition, leading to diagnostic criteria that were based on male presentations, which may not fully capture the diverse ways in which autism can manifest in females. As a result, women with autism may exhibit different symptoms or mask their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Additionally, gender bias and stereotypes can also influence the diagnosis of neurodivergent women. There is a common misconception that neurodivergent conditions are primarily male conditions and that women are less likely to be affected. As a result, healthcare professionals may be less likely to consider neurodivergent conditions as a possibility in women, leading to missed diagnoses. Moreover, neurodivergent women may present with symptoms that are not traditionally associated with their condition, which can further contribute to misdiagnosis. For example, women with ADHD may not exhibit the hyperactivity that is often associated with ADHD in boys but instead may present with inattentiveness, impulsivity, or other symptoms that are less commonly recognized as ADHD in girls and women.
Social and cultural factors can also play a role in the misdiagnosis of neurodivergent women. Women are often socialized to be more socially aware, empathetic, and skilled at masking their differences in order to fit in, which can result in their neurodivergent traits being overlooked or dismissed as being “quirky” or “eccentric.” Moreover, women may face pressure to conform to societal expectations of femininity, which can lead to them developing coping mechanisms to mask their neurodivergent traits, making it harder for healthcare professionals to recognize their condition.
The misdiagnosis of neurodivergent women can have significant consequences, including delayed access to appropriate interventions, lack of support, and increased risk of mental health issues, among others. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential gender bias and stereotypes in diagnosing neurodivergent conditions and to consider the unique manifestations of these conditions in women. It is also important for neurodivergent women themselves to be informed about the potential gender bias in healthcare settings and to advocate for themselves in seeking accurate diagnoses and appropriate support.