The Hidden Faces of Autism in Women
An insightful look at how autism often goes undiagnosed in women due to social masking and outdated stereotypes.
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My goal is to help autistic individuals with self acceptance as neurodivergent, as well as to help them navigate achieving their goals.. I’ve written 3 professional journal articles on autism for the Journal of Health Services Psychology (JHSP), one focusing on diagnosing adults and one specifically on diagnosing women. My blog “Divergent Thinkers” was on Psych Central for 2016- 2020, and my current blog on Psychology Today is “Everyday Neurodiversity.”
Please explore my articles and let me know if you have any questions or want to work with me on a one on one basis.
Autism has historically been studied and diagnosed through a lens that often overlooks how it presents in women.
My featured articles shed light on the unique challenges women face in getting an accurate diagnosis—often later in life—and how autism can look different from the more widely recognized male-centered criteria. By exploring personal stories, clinical insights, and up-to-date research, these pieces help break down stereotypes, reveal common traits in autistic women, and offer clarity around masking, misdiagnosis, and gender bias in healthcare. Whether you're seeking to understand your own journey or support someone else’s, these articles provide a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate perspective on autism in women.
Diagnosing Women Articles
Eckerd, M. Detection and Diagnosis of ASD in Females. Journal of Health Services Psychology
Eckerd, M. Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) in Adults. Journal of Health Services Psychology
Why Are Girls Missed for Diagnosis And Why Is that Important Autism Parenting Magazine
Women And Autism: Get a Diagnosis, not Gaslighted Psychology Today, “Everyday Neurodiversity”
Is She on the Spectrum? 15 Clues Psych Central, “Divergent Thinkers”
Too Many Autistic Women At Risk: We Need Education, We Need Support Thinking Person’s Guide To Autism
Discussing Neurodiversity Articles
Eckerd, M. Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) in Adults. Journal of Health Services Psychology
Why the Term “High Functioning” Creates a Misunderstanding of Autism Psychology Today, “Everyday Neurodiversity”
Are Autistic People Empathic? Is Everyone Else? Psychology Today, “Everyday Neurodiversity”
Are You Yelling? Asperger’s, NLD and Tone Psych Central “Divergent Thinkers”
Navigating the Minefield of Sexuality for Children with ASD or NLD Webinar, SPED NET Wilton
Autism Spectrum News: Kids with Asperger Syndrome, Schools and the Law Autism Spectrum News
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