Recognizing and Celebrating Women in the Neurodiversity and Disability Space

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and advocate for gender equality. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, encourages us to push for meaningful change—especially in areas where inequities persist. One such area is research and representation in the neurodiverse and disabled communities, where the focus has historically been centered on males.

The Gender Gap in Research

For decades, studies on neurodiversity and disability have primarily focused on males. This has led to a significant gap in understanding how conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities present in females. Women and girls are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed much later in life, which can result in fewer supports and accommodations.

  • Autism: Studies indicate that for every three males diagnosed with autism, only one female is diagnosed. However, emerging research suggests that autism may be just as prevalent in females, but it manifests differently—often with stronger social masking, which makes it harder to recognize.
  • ADHD: ADHD is frequently associated with hyperactivity in boys, but in girls, it often presents as inattentiveness, leading to many being overlooked until adulthood.
  • Physical Disabilities: Women with disabilities face additional barriers, including greater societal stigma, employment discrimination, and reduced access to healthcare services compared to men with similar conditions.

Women Leading the Way

Despite the historical oversight, many incredible women have been driving change, advocating for better research, representation, and support for neurodiverse and disabled individuals. Here are a few trailblazers making an impact:

  • Judy Heumann – A pioneer in disability rights, Heumann’s activism played a crucial role in passing key disability legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Dr. Temple Grandin – A leading advocate for autism awareness and a professor of animal science, Dr. Grandin has used her lived experience to revolutionize understanding of autism and sensory processing.
  • Dr. Devon Price – A social psychologist and author, Dr. Price has written extensively on autism, neurodiversity, and the importance of unmasking.
  • Hannah Gadsby – An autistic comedian, writer, and advocate, Gadsby has used her platform to bring awareness to the unique experiences of neurodiverse individuals.
  • Sara Luterman – A journalist and disability rights advocate who highlights the intersection of disability, policy, and gender.

Accelerating Action for the Future

If we want a world where all neurodiverse and disabled individuals receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve, we must accelerate action by:

  • Advocating for gender-inclusive research that accounts for the ways neurodiversity and disability present in females.
  • Ensuring earlier and more accurate diagnoses so girls and women can access the support they need.
  • Promoting female voices in advocacy and research to create a more inclusive and representative future.

At SENIA, we are committed to championing inclusivity and amplifying the voices of all individuals within the neurodiverse and disabled communities. On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who are changing the landscape—and work toward a future where no one is left behind.

#AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #Neurodiversity #DisabilityAwareness #WomenInAdvocacy