Report: Understanding the gendered experiences of young people with autism and ADHD
Young women, girls, and gender-diverse young people across Gloucestershire shared their experiences of autism and ADHD with us.
This project shines a light on the experiences of groups whose presentations of neurodivergence have often been overlooked, misunderstood, or missed altogether, leading to barriers in recognition, diagnosis, and support.
We heard how delayed or missed recognition can affect wellbeing, education, relationships, and sense of identity.
Young people spoke about the challenges of seeking a diagnosis, navigating long waits for assessment, and accessing support.
They also shared their views on receiving a formal diagnosis, including what a diagnosis meant to them, how it shaped their understanding of themselves, and the opportunities and challenges it brought.
Download our full report below.
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Report: Understanding the gendered experiences of young people with autism and ADHD
Those who took part discussed the impact of masking on their daily lives, as well as how autism and ADHD have influenced their experiences of school, mental health, friendships, family relationships, and healthcare services.
By centring the voices of young people, this report provides insight into what it is like to seek recognition, diagnosis, and support as a young woman, girl, or gender-diverse person. It aims to increase understanding of their lived experiences, support earlier identification, improve pathways to care, and reduce the risk of unmet needs becoming more complex later in life.
