Neurodiverse Women

A diagnosis of neurodiversity within Girls and Women is becoming more and more recognised. I have a long standing lineage of Autism on both my Mother and Fathers sides of my family. Neurodiversity within boys and men historically is easier to observe and diagnosed, due to its clearer presentation within the Triad of impairment. This means that many females are lying under the radar and not actually being diagnosed and helped until much later on in life. Thankfully things are starting to become easier to spot and offer guidance and support.

My younger sister (now 30) was 18 when she was diagnosed, although she struggled throughout her educational settings and was eventually expelled for her frustrations and outbursts, now manages to cope with her sensory overloads and holds down a very well paid job.

My daughter (now 16) was aged 14 when she was diagnosed, and has spent most of her academic years being homeschooled again due to sensory overloads in a very chaotic education system.

Possibly due to the historical oppressive and marginalisation of Women over many decades, Women have learnt to mask their view of the world and suppress their frustrations and pain, finding creative ways to hide their ticks, stims and obsessive behaviours, so not appear to be different. Spending most of their lives in a constant state of pressure ready to pop and explode at any point.

Women are biologically and emotionally more sensitive than males, this is what makes us good nurturers and highly compassionate. But also heightened sensory sensations, are a common trait in those who are neurodiverse, commonly known as ‘Sensory processing disorder’. Some areas of the sensory makeup are more intense than others. Many find this with touch and not wanting to be touched or in close contact with others.

So already the neurodiverse Woman has a very heightened experience of her internal and external environment.ring into this a monthly menstrual cycle of ups and downs, biologically alternating levels of hormones and sensory input and output. Riding an emotional rollercoaster.

Menopause can be an even greater challenge to face especially for those that struggled with their monthly menstrual cycle. There is less predictability in the cycle itself, mood swings and issues with all 5 senses are affected, regulation of body temperature, feelings of skin crawling, insomnia and depression can be felt on an even greater level than those who are not neurodiverse.

All neurodiverse Women, are most welcome to attend any of my classes and treatments. I offer a ‘Sensory Profile’ handout that you can fill in and share with me, if you wish to do so.

Having a sensory profile can help you feel more comfortable and supported. There is no judgement only a beautiful space for you to be yourself.