The intersection of Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and Autism in Adults has become an important focal point of exploration. Particularly, the spotlight has turned to the previous lack of understanding of Autism in adults, especially females.
Let’s explore this further.
Now Available!
UNDERSTANDING AUTISM IN WOMEN
An Online Guide by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Please link to this page if you share any of the information I provide about Autism, as it will continually be updated.
The Hidden Narrative of Female Autistic Experiences
While delving into the differences between autism and high sensitivity, it's evident that although some symptoms may overlap, they diverge significantly. Misconceptions and gender-biased diagnostic criteria have likely obscured the recognition of autism in females, leaving an estimated 80% undiagnosed. My personal journey and professional experience have unveiled that many women, myself included, might navigate the world not just as highly sensitive individuals but as undiagnosed autistics. This revelation demands reevaluating how we differentiate these two areas and advocating for those who've remained in the shadows.
Overcoming Challenges in Recognizing Autism in Women
Recognizing autism in women faces hurdles such as inaccurate diagnostic criteria, stereotypes, camouflaging behaviors, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. The challenge lies in seeing beyond societal expectations and understanding the internalized nature of autism in females. Efforts to educate clinicians and revise diagnostic criteria are crucial for capturing the true spectrum of autism manifestations across genders.
Challenging Biased Stereotypes in Autism
The stereotypes painting autism as a male-only condition, marked by social withdrawal or a lack of empathy, do a disservice to many, especially women on the spectrum. Debunking these myths is vital for a more inclusive approach to diagnosis and support, acknowledging the rich diversity of autistic experiences.
Common Traits in Autistic Highly Sensitive People (HSPs),
Particularly Among Women
Since childhood, you’ve felt flawed, different, out of place, quirky, or unconventional, finding it difficult to conform or fit in a box.
You favor meaningful interactions and deep connections with one or two close friends or family members over new group social experiences. Yet, establishing the depth of connection you desire can sometimes be a challenge.
You cherish alone time and need more of it than most. Your deep need for solitude is crucial; insufficient alone time can lead to stress and overstimulation, resulting in irritation, anger, crying, and difficulty concentrating. These reactions may further develop into anxiety, depression, illness, burnout, or complete withdrawal.
Engaging in superficial small talk feels tiring and uninteresting. You prefer deep one-on-one conversations on subjects of shared interest.
It takes you time to feel comfortable with new people, and In new groups, you might be seen as shy or quiet. When socializing with new people, you often feel anxious and out of place, wondering if you are “doing it right” or if people think you are “weird” or “different.”
You have strong sensory sensitivities across multiple senses. You have heightened sensitivity across multiple senses, such as sight, sound, motion, taste, touch, and textiles.
Eye contact can feel overwhelmingly intense for you, giving you a feeling of excessive vulnerability or intrusion. Eye contact, especially with new people, can feel draining and vulnerable, as if seeing into each other's souls.
You love being alone in your sanctuary space at home, where you can do whatever you want without obligations. Craving alone time, you relish the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature or dive deep into your favorite interests, cherishing the freedom to spend the day exactly as you please.
Social or work gatherings, particularly with unfamiliar people, can be exceptionally draining for you, often leading you to prefer avoiding them altogether.
Sudden alterations in plans can provoke intense stress and discomfort for you.
You tend to experience emotions intensely, and managing these strong feelings becomes particularly challenging when you're fatigued, unwell, or overtaxed.
Hosting people in your home tends to be exhausting. Your home is your sanctuary, the place where you get to be yourself.
You've often received messages suggesting that your natural way of being is wrong, leading you to cover up your real self (to mask), perform, and be “on” as others expect, which is exhausting.
You have intense passions and special interests and love learning, with a wide range of interests. You are often known for your excellent research skills and ability to absorb a lot of information quickly.
You have repetitive movements or sounds, whether it's fidgeting, adjusting or twirling your hair, biting your lip or cheek, picking your skin, playing with your fingers, dancing, tapping fingers or feet, pacing, bouncing legs, rubbing hands together, repetitive blinking, lip licking, rubbing or tapping surfaces, or humming, throat clearing, or other repetitive sounds or movements. Note: many don't realize this until asked!
When depleted, you might have emotional outbursts and carry shame over these bursts of anger.
Your physical energy is often lower than your mental energy and ambition, leading to frustration and burnout.
If you have to be in a group, you might prefer a leadership role because it provides clarity, control, and predictability, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. Leadership positions involve defined responsibilities and direct, goal-directed communication, which minimizes social ambiguity and leverages your strengths in organization and analysis while minimizing draining small talk and casual interactions.
Your preferred communication style is honest, direct, and clear, avoiding ambiguity and indirect language. You appreciate straightforwardness and transparency in conversations, as it reduces misunderstandings and anxiety.
You often notice details others miss and can become deeply immersed in activities that capture your interest, sometimes losing track of time and surroundings.
Navigating the Waters of Common Misdiagnosis
Widespread misinterpretations frequently hinder women from receiving an accurate autism diagnosis. Many healthcare practitioners, relying on outdated diagnostic criteria, often misidentify autism, leading to misdiagnoses such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. This significant oversight underscores the urgent need for updated educational resources and diagnostic standards that accurately reflect the diverse and nuanced presentations of autism, particularly in women.
The Importance of Adult Diagnosis in Autism
For many, an adult diagnosis of autism brings relief and a framework for understanding life-long challenges. It explains the intense environmental sensitivity and the resulting overstimulation, offering strategies for coping with a world that doesn't naturally accommodate neurodivergent individuals. This understanding can transform self-perception, replacing self-criticism with compassion. Moreover, it's crucial to acknowledge that depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are notably higher among autistic individuals. Recognizing and addressing these challenges through diagnosis and subsequent support is vital for improving the quality of life and mental health of autistic adults.
Feelings Expressed After Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis often feels like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. It brings self-kindness, validation of experiences, and a new lens through which to view one's life. It alleviates shame, enhances personal relationships, and fosters a sense of belonging. This emotional liberation underscores the diagnosis's life-changing impact.
Autism and Health: Essential Considerations
Common health issues seen in Autism include IBS GI issues, EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), mast cell activation, and chronic pain or illness, underscoring the need for comprehensive healthcare considerations.
Embracing Neurodiversity
Moving away from the old medical model, which views autism as a deficit to be cured, toward the neurodiversity model is crucial. The neurodiversity model celebrates neurological differences as natural and valuable, much like biodiversity benefits ecosystems. It acknowledges that the main hurdles for neurodivergent individuals stem from a society designed for neurotypical norms. By advocating for acceptance and inclusive practices, the neurodiversity model aims to foster a society that appreciates and supports diverse neurological landscapes, enhancing societal understanding and adaptability.
Assessments and Consultations: Pathways to Support
Driven by a duty to raise awareness, I offer assessments and consultations, aiming to bridge the gap in understanding and support for the autistic community, especially women who have long felt unseen.
Autistic Women Support Group: Empowering the Adult-Diagnosed or Self-Diagnosed
Our support group is a beacon for those diagnosed in adulthood or self-identified, providing a sanctuary for shared experiences, understanding, and empowerment.
Autism Quiz
Research on High Sensitivity & Autism
Courses Reducing Challenges
Podcast Episodes
Episode 187: Empty Nest, Menopause, and Autism: A Journey from Darkness to Self-Discovery
Episode 190: The Hidden World of Autistic Women with Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Articles
Sharing is Caring
You’ll want to link to this page if you share any of the information I provide about Autism, as it will continually be updated.
Questions?
You can contact me here.
Julie Bjelland, LMFT
An Autistic HSP and Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people and adult-diagnosed Autism. I founded Sensitive Empowerment to amplify awareness about the remarkable value of Neurodiversity. Committed to education and support, my mission is to enhance awareness and create tools and resources to reduce susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges, guiding individuals toward unlocking their highest potential. Learn more at www.JulieBjelland.com