Autism and other Neurodivergences
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.
This page provides information on autism and neurodivergence, and our work in this area.
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 medical disclaimer
What are autism and other neurodivergences?
Neurodivergence 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).
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.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition which is characterised by social communication and sensory differences and a need for routine and consistency.
Some of the characteristics of autism are:
- Finding it difficult to understand what others are feeling, or feeling overwhelmed in social situations or when meeting new people.
- Showing self-soothing behaviours and being very focused on particular interests.
- Being more sensitive to sound, light, smells, tastes or other sensations.
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.
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.
More information about the signs and diagnosis of autism can be found at on the NHS Wales website here.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is another neurodevelopmental condition characterised by attention differences, typically difficulty maintaining attention, difficulty in switching attention (where a person is ‘hyper-focused’ on one thing), or both. This can make it more challenging to carry out day to day tasks.
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.
More information about ADHD can be found at on the NHS Wales website here.
What are we calling for?
Our overall aim is to address widespread inequities experienced by autistic and neurodiverse women in Wales and see their quality of life improved
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.
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.
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’t meet the needs of women and girls.
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.
In Wales, autistic and neurodivergent women and girls face discrimination and inequalities in their healthcare
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.
Evidence suggests that autistic girls and women become adept at “masking” 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.
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’t 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.
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.
We need to:
- ensure that the rights of autistic and neurodivergent women are recognised and upheld, and their voices heard
- ensure that policymakers within the Welsh Government work co-productively with the autistic community so that their needs are understood and met
- ensure that autistic and neurodivergent females are fully involved in the design and delivery of the services they need to use, including in NHS Wales, education, and other public bodies
- ensure autistic and neurodivergent females can access appropriate and timely mental health support
- encourage investment in research so that the socio-economic inequities and health issues experienced by autistic and neurodivergent women are better understood, addressed and prevented
- support the development of training to ensure that the intersectional needs of autistic and neurodivergent people are considered by healthcare professionals and educators
Our champion: Willow H
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’s 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.
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.
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
Our champion: Dee Dickens
“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.
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 “be you, the world will adjust”.
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.”
What have we achieved?
Our campaign activity to improve the lives of autistic and neurodivergent women, girls, and people registered female at birth is extensive. Some of our achievements are outlined below:
We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising
- Involvement in the development of resources and training programmes with the Wales National Autism Team
- Training of health professionals and North Wales Police
- Delivery of talks at conferences and seminars, such as (needs examples)
- Presentations to the Senedd Cross Party Group on Autism
- Co-organisation of events, such as the North Wales Autism Conference and Senedd Events
- Contributed to media pieces such as this article in Wales Online
We take part in consultations, advisory boards and co-production of healthcare
- Member of the Ministerial Neurodivergence Advisory Group
- Involvement in the development of the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services
- Representation on North Wales Integrated Autism Services Strategy Board
- Contributions to a wide range of consultations undertaken by Senedd Committees and the Welsh Government, including inquiries into waiting lists and support for those with chronic conditions, and consultations on mental health and wellbeing, and suicide prevention.
We engage directly with policy makers and researchers
- Organisational partner and Community Leader on Wellcome Trust-funded Autism from Menstruation to Menopause Study at Swansea University
- Represented the lived experiences of autistic and neurodivergent women on the Senedd’s Mental Health Inequalities Advisory Group, convened by the Senedd Health and Social Care Committee
- Included a chapter on female experiences of autism and neurodivergence in the Women’s Health Wales Coalition’s report to the Welsh Government
- Ensured autism and neurodivergence featured in the Welsh Government’s Quality Statement for Women’s and Girls’ Health and that the voices of autistic women are heard in the development of the 10-year NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan
- Continuing to work with the Ministerial Disability Rights Taskforce, to ensure that the multiple barriers experienced by autistic and neurodivergent females are understood and included.
Related news and blogs
FTWW Board Member Willow Wins Award for her Work in The Autistic Community
FTWW would like to congratulate our board member Willow Holloway, founder, and project leader of Autistic Women's Empowerment Project, on being a winner in 'The Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' List 2018'. Willow received this amazing accolade for her...
Autism and neurodiversity stories
Advocating for yourself or someone else
Many women find it difficult to discuss health issues and seek support, even if these health issues are having a significant impact on their lives.
We're working with our community to develop tools and tips to help women to speak up, and provide guidance for people who would like to support their loved ones, friends, colleagues or patients who are living with health conditions.
Useful links and documents
Women's Health Wales: A Quality Statement for the Health of Women, Girls and those Assigned Female at Birth 2022
Read more about our recommendations to the Welsh Government in this report by the #WomensHealthWales coalition
FTWW's bi-lingual autism and other neurodivergences leaflet
This flyer provides a brief overview of our work in this area and why it is needed
English (UK) 
Cymraeg