Page Summary

This resource is about women with the combined identity of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as AuDHD, and provides a space to unmask and process the complex challenges and the emotional toll of navigating their often underrecognized and misdiagnosed identity. Our interactive worksheet and journal incorporate self-reflection and art-based prompts to help AuDHD women outwardly express their internal experiences and struggles that are often masked due to systemic and gender-based expectations and diagnoses. 

The articles that inspired our resource were both written by Emma Craddock, whose real-world research with AuDHD women highlighted significant underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, misrepresentation, and internalization experienced by AuDHD women in both societal and medical contexts. Her work highlighted the lack of research on late diagnosed AuDHD in women and outlined the consequences of delayed diagnosis and the lack of support received, which causes serious health effects like masking, negative self-perception, and identity confusion. Additionally, she emphasized that AuDHD is a disability, and due to the lack of awareness of women AuDHD, oftentimes medical professionals misdiagnose AuDHD as a mental health condition through male-oriented diagnostic criteria. These insights helped inform the reflective question and themes used in the resource.

Counselors can use this resource to deepen their connection with AuDHD women, support their clients in unmasking and articulating their inner worlds, and foster open dialogue about identity and life experiences. The resource equips counselors with language and insights about women with AuDHD, an emerging and underrepresented area of research. Finally, the resource gives counselors opportunities to explore strengths, validate perseverance, and to raise awareness of a unique disability.

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