Female presentation
A lost generation of women have been overlooked, misdiagnosed and left to suffer in silence.
The underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD and autism in women represents one of the most significant healthcare disparities of our time, affecting millions of women and girls across the globe. The combination of gender bias in scientific research and clinical practice, the subtle nature of female presentation, and the powerful masking behaviours developed by girls and women has created a perfect storm of neglect.
How ADHD shows up differently in women
Women more often show inattentive symptoms — daydreaming, forgetfulness, internal restlessness — while 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 holding it together in public at enormous internal cost. Standard screening tools often miss this presentation entirely — which is why so many women are diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression first.
Gender and queer presentation
The same diagnostic blind spots 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 masking that standard tools overlook. Start with a free screening tool or book an assessment.
Ready to understand how your brain works?
Book a complimentary call and one of our team will guide you — or start with a free pre-assessment evaluation.
In crisis? Free 24/7 support: Text HELLO to 50808 or call Samaritans 116 123