As I sit here watching the Christine McGuinness documentary on BBC 1, I feel both proud and saddened that we are only just starting to have more helpful and open conversations about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in women. It is disheartening that so many girls and young women are misdiagnosed or misunderstood, and that many women with ASD are not diagnosed at all. This underdiagnosis can have a negative impact on mental health, increasing the risk of self-harm and vulnerabilities for young women. The documentary got me thinking about the impact of women with neurodiversity in the workplace.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Historically, autism was believed to be primarily a male condition, but recent research has challenged this assumption. Studies now suggest that autism may be underdiagnosed in females, particularly those with high functioning autism, and that women may present differently from men. This higher prevalence of late diagnosis in women will have an impact on how they function in the workplace.
One reason why women are diagnosed late with autism is that the diagnostic criteria were originally based on male presentation. Women with autism often present with different symptoms than men with autism, which can make it difficult for clinicians to identify the disorder. For example, women may have stronger social skills and may mask their autistic traits by imitating their peers' behavior, which can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the different ways autism presents in women. Many women with autism report that they have had to see multiple healthcare professionals before receiving an accurate diagnosis, and some women are never diagnosed at all. This can lead to a sense of isolation, as well as difficulties accessing appropriate support and accommodations.
Being diagnosed late with autism can have significant implications for women in the workplace. Women with autism often face challenges in the workplace, such as social interactions, communication, sensory issues, and executive functioning difficulties. Without an accurate diagnosis, these difficulties may be misunderstood or misattributed, leading to a lack of support and accommodations. In addition, the workplace can be particularly challenging for women with autism due to social norms and gender expectations. Women are often expected to be social and empathetic, and this can be particularly challenging for women with autism. Women with autism may also struggle with sensory sensitivities in the workplace, such as fluorescent lighting, strong smells, or loud noises. Furthermore, women with autism may have difficulty with executive functioning skills, such as time management, organization, and task completion. This can make it challenging to meet deadlines, manage workload, and prioritize tasks. Without appropriate support and accommodations, women with autism may struggle to keep up with their workload and may face disciplinary action or termination.
To help women with autism in the workplace, there needs to be a greater understanding of neurodiversity in staff, particularly in women. Appropriate accommodations and support need to be available to help them succeed. At Mindcare Consulting, we provide psychoeducation to employers and colleagues, helping them understand the challenges faced by women with autism in the workplace. We can also provide guidance on creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, including the provision of accommodations, such as flexible working arrangements, noise-cancelling headphones, and sensory-friendly spaces.
The late diagnosis of autism in women can have significant implications for their wellbeing, particularly in the workplace. Mindcare Consulting can play a vital role in supporting women with autism, providing psychoeducation to workplaces and ensuring they receive appropriate support and accommodations in the workplace. By raising awareness of the challenges faced by women with autism in the workplace, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
