Beyond Labels

Beyond Labels: Finding Clarity and Strength in Autism Diagnosis for Women

As an authority on ADHD and Autism in the Okanagan Valley, I'm here to shed light on an important topic that many autistic women* grapple with—the decision to seek a formal diagnosis of autism. This deliberation often entails a careful weighing of potential costs and benefits. The journey from deciding to pursue a diagnostic assessment to actually receiving an accurate diagnosis is frequently long and arduous, requiring both time and patience.

Diagnosis?

From an academic standpoint, research indicates that obtaining an official diagnosis often leads to increased self-awareness and empowerment rather than providing an excuse for behaviour. Studies have shown that a formal diagnosis can offer individuals valuable insights into their cognitive and emotional processes, facilitating targeted interventions and personal growth. Additionally, it can foster a greater understanding of one's strengths and challenges, encouraging proactive strategies for managing one's condition and improving overall well-being.

Pathways to Diagnosis for Women

The journey to an autism diagnosis for women can take various routes, many starting with the misdiagnosis of other conditions such as social anxiety, ADHD, selective mutism, depression including bipolar disorder, gender dysphoria, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anorexia nervosa. Another common pathway involves women receiving an autism diagnosis prompted by the diagnosis of a child or family member. Additionally, many women discover their autistic traits through online resources that describe the female presentation of autism.

Prevalence Rates and Gender Ratio

Historically, the recognition of autism in females has lagged behind males, with a reported ratio of one female for every four males since the early 1990s. However, research and clinical experience suggest that this gender ratio is beginning to balance out. A revealing study conducted in Scotland (Rutherford et al., 2016) demonstrated a shift in these prevalence rates: 5.5 boys for every girl in very young children, 3.5:1 in children and adolescents overall, 2.3:1 in adolescents only, and 1.8:1 in adulthood. These findings suggest that autism in women is more prevalent than previously thought and that females are typically diagnosed later in life.

The Benefits of a Formal Diagnosis

In contemplating whether to seek a formal diagnosis, it's useful to consider the potential advantages, which include:Relief: Before a formal diagnosis, many women endure self-critical and judgmental labels such as “weird,” “defective,” and “psycho.” Discovering that there is nothing inherently “wrong” but much that is different and not defective, can be immensely relieving.

Clarity: Many women describe their diagnosis as a “watershed moment” on their path to self-acceptance. It provides access to literature, research findings , and insights into one's neurology, answering long-held questions about self-identity.

Belonging: Maura Campbell eloquently describes this as "Finding your Tribe" (Cook & Garnett, 2020). Embracing neurodiversity fosters self-acceptance and understanding, particularly among those living with similar neurological differences. Many women find solace and support in the company of other neurodiverse individuals. These connections often bring a sense of safety and understanding that's both new and profoundly comforting.

Strategies: Recognizing oneself as autistic opens the door to learning from others in the neurodiverse community. You can adopt coping mechanisms for sensory issues, emotional dysregulation, executive functioning difficulties, alexithymia, and social exhaustion. Moreover, it's a way to combat ignorance about autism from others.

Family Dynamics: Awareness of a diagnosis benefits the entire family, fostering genuine understanding, nonjudgmental acceptance, and empathetic support. This knowledge paves the way for appropriate accommodations and attunement within familial relationships.ConclusionsOur advice on seeking a diagnosis is unequivocal—do it, and the sooner, the better.

A diagnosis can answer lingering questions and eliminate uncertainty and speculation. From experience, it's crucial that autistic women learn about their neurological differences as early as possible in a factual, celebratory, and empathetic manner. This awareness helps them grow into their true selves, free from the ignorant judgments of others. Building a positive relationship with Self and creating a positive Self-Identiy come from knowing oneself. 

To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.

At Safe and Sound Therapeutics, we are dedicated to supporting you through this journey with expertise and compassion. If you're considering whether to pursue a diagnosis for Autism, AuDHD, or ADHD, know that you don't have to go through it alone.

Reach out, and let's explore this pathway together.

Shauna Paynter

Safe and Sound Therapeutics

Okanagan Valley Authority on ADHD and Autism