[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#88b3d8″ background_image=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Autism_header_willow.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_right” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”40px||24px||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_image_phone=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Autism_header_willow.png” background_enable_image_phone=”on” background_size_tablet=”custom” background_image_width_tablet=”75%” background_image_width_phone=”100%” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_position_phone=”bottom_center” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”e864d11f-3dab-4fa3-ac06-4f0e1a260807″ header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#103638″ header_font_size=”62px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.02em” header_line_height=”1.15em” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”36px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”41d5859c-fbaa-458a-88e4-5d886857f235″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_font_size=”21px” min_height=”246px” custom_padding=”||5px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It <\/span>is estimated that autistic people make up between 1.1 and 1.9% of the population and approximately 15-20% are considered to be neurodivergent.<\/p>\n This page provides information on autism and neurodivergence, and our work in this area. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”309px” height_phone=”208px” height_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_height=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#88b3d8″ positioning=”none” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”21px” header_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”3px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3px|||||” custom_margin_phone=”3px||-27px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Autism and other neurodivergences<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On this page:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”470″ menu_style=”centered” submenu_direction=”downwards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|600|||||||” menu_text_color=”#103638″ menu_font_size=”18px” background_enable_color=”off” min_height=”27px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” sticky_position=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”201398″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”196%” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The following information is based on the lived experiences and priorities expressed to us by our community. If you need medical\/health advice, please contact a GP or medical professional. Read our\u00a0medical disclaimer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”about” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”||4px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||35px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Neurodivergence<\/strong> refers to when a person’s brain has developed differently or works in a different way to the typical brain. Two common neurodevelopmental conditions are autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n Around 1.1% of the population is autistic – that means 17,000 women in Wales – could be autistic. ADHD prevalence figures vary, though NHS England states 3-5% of children and 2% of adults equating to a possible 31,800 women. However, due to inequitable diagnosis, official figures for women are lower.<\/p>\n Autism <\/strong>is a neurodevelopmental condition which is characterised by social communication and sensory differences and a need for routine and consistency.<\/p>\n Some of the characteristics of autism are:<\/p>\n In the UK, the process of diagnosing autism often begins with a referral from a GP or another healthcare professional to a specialist for a comprehensive assessment.<\/p>\n Support is offered post diagnosis in some cases to help a individual understand how their autism impacts them and to develop a toolkit of strategies and coping mechanisms such as sensory profiles and support to disclose and ask for adjustments.<\/p>\n More information about the signs and diagnosis of autism can be found at on the NHS Wales website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) <\/strong>is another neurodevelopmental condition characterised by attention differences, typically difficulty maintaining attention, difficulty in switching attention (where a person is \u2018hyper-focused\u2019 on one thing), or both. This can make it more challenging to carry out day to day tasks.<\/p>\n ADHD prevalence figures vary, but NHS England states that 3-5% of children and 2% of adults could have ADHD, equating to a possible 16,000 women in Wales. However, due to inequities in diagnosing females, official figures are lower.<\/p>\n More information about ADHD can be found at on the NHS Wales website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”15px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||34px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our overall aim is to address widespread inequities experienced by autistic and neurodiverse women in Wales and see their quality of life improved<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It is estimated that autistic people make up between 1.1 and 1. 9% of the population and approximately 15-20% are considered to be neurodivergent. With more and more late diagnoses however, the number is likely to be much higher.<\/p>\n Historically, autism and ADHD have been believed to affect mostly boys. However, in recent years more and more girls, women, and people registered female at birth are being diagnosed thanks to campaigning by autistic women for better recognition.<\/p>\n A lack of understanding of different presentations of autism and neurodevelopmental conditions can lead to a delay in diagnosis, a lack of support, and services that don\u2019t meet the needs of women and girls.<\/p>\n This has improved in recent years as new research information disseminates across the sector but progress in some areas, such as health inequalities is slow.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Wales, autistic and neurodivergent women and girls face discrimination and inequalities in their healthcare<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”48px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Historically, autism research has focused more on boys, leading to a skewed understanding of the condition. Autistic girls often receive their diagnosis later in life due to a lack of recognition of how they might present. Our work aims to raise awareness about the unique experiences and challenges faced by autistic and neurodivergent females to combat stereotypes and misconceptions.<\/p>\n Evidence suggests that autistic girls and women become adept at \u201cmasking\u201d or mimicking neurotypical behaviours to fit in socially. However, many report this being detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing, with access to joined-up and optimum healthcare one of the most significant challenges they face.<\/p>\n Many autistic or neurodivergent women are unable to access health services because of inaccessible environments and outdated attitudes, myths, and stereotypes. Co-existing health conditions can sometimes be overlooked because a pre-existing diagnosis of autism or neurodivergence means symptoms can be misattributed to that. Even when the patient isn\u2019t yet formally diagnosed, their health concerns can sometimes be dismissed because the way they explain them is misunderstood, or they do not present in a typical way.<\/p>\n This means that women and girls can be affected by diagnostic delays and missed opportunities for better managing their health, wellbeing, and preventing health issues getting worse.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need to:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”lead” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#003E51″ custom_padding=”||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/willow.jpg” title_text=”willow” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Willow is a late-diagnosed autistic woman and has previously worked with autistic people in residential care. Willow has used her lived experience following diagnosis to increase understanding of autistic people’s lives. She founded The Autistic Women\u2019s Empowerment Project in 2014 as an awareness-raising project. Since then, Willow has gone on to campaign for recognition, acceptance, and equality for autistic people across Wales.<\/p>\n She is the Executive Chair of Autistic UK and is a director of several equality organisations in Wales including being Chair of Disability Wales and a director of Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales. She has delivered consultation events and training and has extensive knowledge of autism from both a professional and personal perspective facilitating interactive sessions which offer an informed insider perspective on autism.<\/p>\n She also works at a strategic and policy level and is a member of The Ministerial Advisory Group on Neurodevelopmental Conditions and The Disability Rights Taskforce as well as co-chairing the North Wales Integrated Autism Service Strategy, Board<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wcm9qZWN0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjIwMTM0NiJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Read Willow’s story” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#88b3d8″ button_border_radius=”39px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.13)” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DeeDtrustee.jpg” title_text=”DeeDtrustee” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “As a late peer diagnosed person who is autistic with ADHD (AuDHD), one of my special interests, like many neurodivergent folk, is my own condition. So much so that my specialised area of research for my PhD is autism and other neurodivergences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I became involved with FTWW because they demonstrated an inclusivity and understanding about how intersectional different kinds of impairments can be. In my role as Champion for Autism and Other Neurodivergences, I educate on the comorbidities that can occur and am committed to the motto \u201cbe you, the world will adjust\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My work is about changing labels. From lazy to lacking executive function, from clumsy to dyspraxic, and from stupid to needing to be taught differently. My work is to help the world adjust to us.”<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”achievements” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”29px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our campaign activity to\u00a0improve the lives of autistic and neurodivergent women, girls, and people registered female at birth is extensive. Some of our achievements are outlined below:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F8F7E7″ icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#88b3d8″ z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F8F7E7″ icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#88b3d8″ z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are autism and other neurodivergences?<\/h2>\n
\n
What are we calling for?<\/h2>\n
\n
Our champion: Willow H<\/span><\/h2>\n
Our champion: Dee Dickens<\/span><\/h2>\n
What have we achieved?<\/h2>\n
We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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We take part in consultations, advisory boards and co-production of healthcare<\/strong><\/h5>\n