Female presentation

The underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD and autism in women is one of the largest healthcare gaps of our time, and it affects millions of women and girls worldwide. Three things combine to cause it: gender bias in scientific research and clinical practice, the subtle nature of female presentation and the masking that girls and women learn early and keep doing.

How ADHD shows up differently in women

Women more often show inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming, forgetfulness and internal restlessness. Diagnostic models were built around the hyperactive-impulsive behaviours that get boys noticed faster. Hormonal transitions through puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause can intensify symptoms, and masking in females is far subtler than the presentation clinical models were trained on.

How autism shows up differently in women

Autistic women and girls frequently camouflage: studying social behaviour consciously, scripting interactions and keeping up appearances in public at enormous internal cost. Standard screening tools often miss this presentation entirely. That is why so many women are diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression first.

Gender and queer presentation

The same diagnostic gaps affect non-binary and trans people. Our clinicians respect lived experience and assess the person in front of them, not a stereotype.

What we do about it

Our clinicians understand female presentation, and our own screening instruments are designed to capture it, including the masking that standard tools overlook. Start with a free screening tool or book an assessment.