511- AuDHD Guidance: Why Autism Is So Difficult to Diagnose in Women and Girls with ADHD
Jul 19, 2024
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Dr. Karen Saporito discusses the challenges of diagnosing autism in women and girls with ADHD, emphasizing gender differences. She explores the complexities, risks of misdiagnosis, and the need for specialized professionals. The podcast also covers the influence of societal expectations, gender roles, and promoting inclusivity and support for neurodivergent individuals.
Diagnosing ADHD and autism in women and girls is complex due to overlapping symptoms and lack of standardized approach.
Understanding gender diversity is crucial in recognizing neurodiversity, emphasizing the prevalence in gender diverse populations.
Misdiagnoses of ADHD and autism in girls can lead to delays in support; tailored strategies are needed for emotional dysregulation.
Deep dives
Diagnostic Challenges of ADHD and Autism in Women and Girls
Diagnosing the co-occurrence of ADHD and autism in women and girls presents unique challenges due to the lack of an evidence-based standardized approach. Dr. Karen Saperito discusses the overlapping symptoms and why these dual diagnoses are often overlooked. She emphasizes the individuality of each case and the evolving understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders in females.
Gender and Sex Distinctions in Neurodiversity
The podcast highlights the distinctions between gender and sex in the context of neurodiversity. Gender is described as a social construct, while sex is assigned at birth based on physiology. Dr. Saperito stresses the importance of understanding gender diversity and the higher prevalence of neurodivergence in gender diverse populations.
Misconceptions and Misdiagnoses
Dr. Saperito addresses common misconceptions and misdiagnoses associated with ADHD and autism in girls and women. Conditions such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and OCD are often mistaken for ADHD and autism. Misdiagnoses can lead to delays in receiving appropriate support and understanding.
Emotional Dysregulation and Support Strategies
The podcast touches on emotional dysregulation in autism and ADHD, highlighting its impact on individuals. Understanding emotional reactivity and distress is crucial in providing effective support. The discussion also emphasizes the need for tailored support strategies for individuals with ADHD and autism.
Advice on Supporting Partners with ADHD and Autism
In offering support to partners with ADHD and autism, understanding and empathy are key. Dr. Saperito recommends educating oneself on each other's needs, respecting differences, and communicating openly. Tailored support, mutual understanding, and intentional efforts to learn and support each other are essential in nurturing relationships.
Dr. Saperito Addresses Highlights from the Podcast Episode
Dr. Saperito provides insights and expertise on diagnosing ADHD and autism, understanding gender diversity in neurodiversity, common misconceptions, emotional dysregulation, and supporting partners with ADHD and autism. The episode emphasizes individualized approaches, education, and fostering understanding and empathy in relationships.
Karen Saporito, Ph.D., explains the ways in which ADHD and autism overlap and how they can present differently in children and adults, and across genders — including why autism is so easily missed and misdiagnosed, especially in girls and women, and the consequences of that.
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