Educating Individuals and Practitioners
Providing essential education and insights to dispel stereotypes and offer a more accurate, intersectional perspective on autism in women. The information may also be relevant to those who are AFAB and non-binary.
Past Diagnostic Criteria Have Been Inaccurate for Women
It’s estimated that 80% of autistic women remain undiagnosed leading to a health & safety issue:
Mental Health Risks: Autistic women often experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation due to misunderstandings and lack of appropriate support.
Misdiagnosis and Incorrect Treatment: Without a proper understanding of autism, these women are frequently misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatments.
Social Isolation: Misunderstanding their own experiences and being misunderstood by others can lead to social isolation and loneliness, further exacerbating mental health issues.
Inadequate Support Systems: Without this understanding, autistic women might not access the necessary accommodations and support systems that can help them manage their daily lives effectively.
Increased Vulnerability: Autistic women are more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and other risks.
Educational and Occupational Challenges: Lack of understanding and support can lead to educational and workplace challenges.
Proper understanding of autism in women is crucial for their safety, well-being, and ability to lead fulfilling lives.
What You Will Gain from This Guide
A Clear Understanding of Autism in Sensitive Women: Learn to recognize and differentiate the unique traits and experiences of sensitive autistic women, dispelling myths and stereotypes.
Research from Polls: Benefit from insights gained through extensive polls conducted within the autistic community, offering real-world data and perspectives on the experiences, challenges, and strengths of autistic women.
Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis Guidance: Navigate the complexities of diagnosing autism in highly sensitive women and distinguish between common co-occurring conditions and misdiagnoses.
Practical Strategies: Discover coping mechanisms for common challenges, including managing sensory overload, energy fluctuations, and the mental load unique to autistic women.
Identity and Self-Expression: Gain insights into the struggles of masking and the intersections of autism with queer identity and gender variance.
Intersectionality: Explore how race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other identities impact the experiences of autistic women, providing a holistic understanding of their unique challenges and strengths.
Improved Communication: Learn about the double empathy problem and how to bridge communication gaps between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Insights into the Importance of Neurodiversity: Understand the origins and importance of the newer neurodiversity movement and how it contrasts with the outdated, inaccurate medical model of autism.
Support and Advocacy: Learn how to create sensory-friendly spaces, reduce sensory overload, and effectively support autistic individuals.
Community and Connection: Access additional resources, participate in the autistic women's group (for diagnosed or self-diagnosed) and connect with others with similar experiences and challenges.
Personal and Professional Growth: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to advocate for yourself or others, enhancing the quality of life and mental health for autistic individuals.
This guide empowers you with the knowledge, strategies, and support needed to thrive as a sensitive autistic woman or to support and advocate for autistic women effectively.
The Importance of Understanding Autism in Women
For many, understanding autism brings relief and a new understanding of life-long challenges. It explains intense environmental sensitivity and overstimulation, offering coping strategies for a world that doesn't accommodate neurodivergent individuals. This understanding can transform self-perception, replacing self-criticism with compassion. Moreover, recognizing the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in autistic individuals and addressing these challenges is crucial for improving their quality of life and mental health.
Table of Contents
Education
20 Common Traits of Sensitive Autistic Women: Dispel Old Stereotypes
Patterns I've Observed in Autistic Women Through Assessments
Intersectionality in Autism: Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Other Identities
Celebrating the Positive Attributes of Being Autistic
Changes in the Concept of Autism - Francesca Happé CBE
Advantages and Challenges of Neural Hyperconnectivity and Variations in Brain Pruning of the Autistic Brain
Distinguishing Autism from High Sensitivity
The Benefits of Stimming: Understanding Repetitive Behaviors
Heightened Special Interests
Understanding Drastic Energy Fluctuations
Understanding the Unique Mental Load of Autistic Women
Understanding Autism: A Documentary
Embracing Neurodivergence
Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Embracing Neurodivergence: A Path to Improved Mental Health
A Paradigm Shift in Autism
The Neurodiversity Movement: Origins, Importance, and Contrast with the Medical Model
Insight From a Teen’s Journey: An Advocate for Embracing Neurodivergence
Identity and Self-Expression
The Struggles of Masking: Autistic Women Hiding Their Authentic Selves
Unmasking Freedom: Embracing Our Autistic Identity and Being Ourselves in the World
The Difference Between 'I Am Autistic' and 'I Have Autism': Language, Identity, and Empowerment
The Intersection of Autism, Queer Identity, and Gender Variance
Role Models and Influencers: Highlighting Autistic Women Making an Impact
Communication
Understanding the Double Empathy Problem Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Communication Styles
Autistic and Allistic Communication Styles (Double Empathy)
Using Non-Verbal Codes or Signals to Communicate Needs
Research
Poll Results: Health and Neurological Survey '
Poll Results: What are your favorite things about being autistic?
Poll Results: What are your biggest challenges?
Poll Results: If you were to describe what it's like to be autistic, what would you say?
Diagnosis & Misdiagnosis
Navigating Autism Diagnosis in Highly Sensitive Women
Common Co-Occurring Conditions in Autistic Individuals
Common Misdiagnosis
Is it Depression or Autistic Burnout?
Distinguishing Between Autistic Meltdowns and Panic Attacks
Late Discovered Autism & Menopause
Challenges and Coping Strategies
Demand Avoidance in Autism: Our Journey with Energy and Expectations
Understanding Autistic Meltdowns and Shutdowns: Causes and Support Strategies
The Benefits of Cannabis Use in Autistic Individuals: Insights from Dr. Miyabe Shields, PhD
Supporting the Autistic
The Importance of Sensory Reduction for Autistic Individuals
Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Further Exploration into the Multifaceted World of Autism: Insights and Questions from the Community
Enhancing Life for Autistic Individuals
Advocacy and Allyship: How Non-Autistic People Can Support and Advocate for Autistic Individuals
Additional Resources
Autism Quiz
Autistic Women's Group
Ways to Connect Further
"A Life-Changing Resource for Sensitive Autistic Women!"
“I cannot express how transformative this guide has been for me. I always felt misunderstood and overwhelmed by the world. This information provided me with the understanding I desperately needed. For the first time, I felt seen and validated in my experiences. The has helped me, as well as my family and friends, better understand myself. ”
About the Author
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a Licensed Psychotherapist and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in working with highly sensitive and autistic women. After learning I was autistic later in life, my understanding of myself and my work transformed. I’m passionate about helping women change a lifelong narrative of feeling flawed to one of understanding, self compassion and authentic liberation.
As an author, course instructor, and host of a podcast ranked in the top 1.5% globally, I am dedicated to spreading education and awareness that I know will improve and even save the lives of remarkable women everywhere. To connect us globally, I created the Sensitive Empowerment Community and the Autistic Women's Group.
I developed this guide to bridge the knowledge gap and provide accurate information about autism in sensitive women. I aim to dispel outdated stereotypes, offer practical strategies, and foster a deeper understanding of neurodivergence.
My passion lies in encouraging the embrace of neurodivergence as an extraordinary diversity that enriches humanity. By flourishing at our highest potential, we can share the unique gifts within neurodivergence.
"An Indispensable Tool for Mental Health Practitioners"
“As a mental health practitioner, this guide on autism in adult women has helped me differentiate between autism and high sensitivity, ensuring better-informed support strategies. Julie’s description of the double empathy problem and bridging communication gaps has also been instrumental in improving the interactions between my autistic clients and their families, friends, and colleagues. This guide has expanded my professional knowledge. I highly recommend it to any practitioner looking to deepen their understanding and support of autistic women.”
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"A Crucial Resource for Medical Practitioners"
“Julie Bjelland’s guide is a crucial resource for medical practitioners. The updated information it provides will significantly enhance my ability to recognize autistic patients. This guide will transform my approach to patient care, significantly improving my patients’ overall well-being. I highly recommend it to all healthcare professionals.”
FAQ
How do I access the guide?
After purchasing the guide, you will receive an email link and a special password to enter the guide portal (be sure to save that email). If you do not receive the email, please check your spam/junk folder.
Is this guide available in print?
This guide is only available online because I wanted to include some videos and discussion areas where we can all share comments and conversations to enrich our learning and continually add more information as it becomes available.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, if you struggle with housing or food security. This guide is essential, and I don’t want anyone to feel they cannot access it due to financial circumstances. Apply here to get a scholarship.
Are there refunds?
We are not offering refunds because when you sign up, you get the complete guide and unlimited access to new research and updates. We think this guide is extremely valuable and includes years of research.