Neurodivergence in AFAB Individuals
Keywords:
Neurodivergence, Gender Bias, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, ADD, ADHD, Camouflaging, Clinician Expectancy Bias, Social Perception of Neurodivergence, Underdiagnosis, Public Health Issue, AFAB, Child PsychologyAbstract
Since their first conceptualizations in the early 20th century, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been perceived as predominantly, or even exclusively male conditions (Kreiser & White, 2013). Over recent years, support has grown for the hypothesis that this ratio is caused not by differences in prevalence but rather, differences in likelihood of diagnosis, with AFAB people being frequently under- and misdiagnosed. This is in part due to the difference in presentation of ASD and ADHD. The causes behind the underdiagnosis of AFAB individuals as well as their unique presentation of symptoms are discussed.
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