Gender & Neurodivergence (Bias in Diagnosis)

The way neurodivergence is recognised — and diagnosed — is often influenced by gendered expectations, whether we realise it or not.

Many diagnostic models for conditions like autism and ADHD were originally built around how those traits typically appeared in boys. This means people who don’t fit that pattern — including women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals — are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed much later in life.

For example:

• A boy who hyperfocuses on trains might raise concern. A girl who quietly reads about horses for hours might be praised.
• A child who disrupts the class might get referred for assessment. A child who sits quietly while masking their anxiety might not.
• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and internal overwhelm might be seen as personality traits — not signs of neurodivergence.

This doesn’t mean neurodivergence looks different across genders — it often means people are treated differently because of how their behaviour is interpreted.

Masking, emotional labour, and social coping strategies can also play a role — sometimes making traits harder to spot from the outside, especially when someone has learned to adapt in order to fit in.

This is not about reinforcing gender roles or assumptions. It’s about recognising that many people are missed or misunderstood because the system hasn’t been designed with them in mind.

By widening the lens — and listening more closely to lived experience — we can build a more inclusive understanding of what neurodivergence actually looks and feels like.