Enhancing diagnostic assessment for ADHD and Autism in females across the lifespan from puberty to menopause and beyond
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Enhancing diagnostic assessment for ADHD and Autism in females across the lifespan from puberty to menopause and beyond
Less visible, internalised behaviours, such as inattention, emotional dysregulation, and a quieter form of hyperactivity. Often display certain characteristics that can differ from the typical presentations seen in males.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that often overlap, yet they present distinct characteristics. When it comes to women, these differences can be more nuanced and complex due to gender-specific factors such as hormonal influences and societal expectations.
Conform to social expectations, leading to withdrawal or overcompensation in social settings, struggling with forming and maintaining friendships. Autistic females have better social communication skills and higher social motivation compared to males but have challenges in sustaining relationships.
Often experience higher levels of emotional dysregulation, including mood swings, anxiety, depression and heightened sensitivity to criticism in ADHD. Greater difficulties in executive functioning and a higher incidence of externalising behaviours in those not diagnosed early with Autism.
Higher prevalence of internalising disorders like anxiety and depression, which can mask core autistic traits.
ADHDers are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming, forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing and internalised hyperactivity.
Develop sophisticated ADHD coping strategies, such as meticulous organisation, reliance on lists and reminders and seeking help from others.
Engaging in strategies to mask or compensate for autistic traits to fit in socially, leading to significant mental and physical strain.
Understanding the interplay between hormones and ADHD is crucial, as hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact the symptoms and management of ADHD in women.
Oestrogen is the female sex hormone. It also manages neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, which is central to executive functioning & ADHD; serotonin (mood) and acetylcholine (memory). Fluctuations in oestrogen affect all women but are often felt more acutely in women with ADHD.
Debilitating challenges during the marked hormonal shifts of puberty, pregnancy, postpartum (the time after childbirth), perimenopause and menopause. In the 7-10 days before the period is due, ADHD symptoms worsen. ADHD symptoms often unleash at the time of menopause.
Distractibility, attentional difficulties, difficulty sleeping, overthinking, impulsivity, irritability, increasingly sensitive, emotional challenges, trying to self sooth using food, shopping, alcohol or even drugs like cannabis. There is often impact on work, studying, relationships and social connections.
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Autism in females often involves masking social challenges, sensory sensitivity, emotional regulation difficulties, obsessive interests, sleep issues and increased anxiety.
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The ultimate pathway to understanding brain health function in neurodivergent females with hormonal impact and physical health overlap causing delays in diagnosis.
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ADHD in girls aged 11-15 involves internalised symptoms, hormonal impacts, emotional struggles, physical health issues, and heightened challenges during puberty.
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ADHD in girls aged 16-18 presents with internalised symptoms, hormonal impacts, emotional struggles and increasing independence, highlighting challenges.
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Signs of autism in teens include social challenges, sensory sensitivities, emotional struggles, anxiety, low self-esteem, rigid thinking and organisational difficulties.
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Signs of autism in older teens include social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, depression, rigid thinking, organisation struggles and heightened self-awareness.
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Analysis includes evaluating social interaction, sensory sensitivities, attention issues, emotional regulation, organisation skills, masking behaviours and impact of puberty and hormones.
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Offers insights into social skills, sensory sensitivities, organisation, emotional regulation, and the challenges of increasing independence in adolescent females.
Using Whoop Band
Wearable technology
Real Time Reports
Continuous Monitoring
Via App Notifcations
Data Driven Intervention
Led by Sanctum Experts
Proactive Care
Prior to your reviews, you’ll complete a series of comprehensive online health assessment forms so we can tailor the assessment to your needs.
Get In TouchSelf reports, observer feedback, performance testing, completing validated psychometric assessment tools and also assessment tools to assess your physical and hormonal health.
Get In TouchA review of your health assessment and symptoms. This is a crucial time to share your thoughts, concerns and experiences with ADHD or autism symptoms to help build any additional steps and follow-ups that may be required.
Get In TouchWe will break down the process to make it easier for you in 2-3 stages. We will conduct diagnostic interviews, feedback of results and next steps discussion.
Get In TouchThe next steps are an important part of the journey. Your specialist review will uncover options that will help you understand your underlying challenges and empower you to make an informed choice regarding your next steps.
Get In TouchThis could include:
Hormonal testing, Cycle tracking, Trial of medication, Psychoeducation, Support groups, Health coaching.
Get In TouchWomen with ADHD and Autism often present with subtler symptoms than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Women may be more likely to mask their symptoms, showing internalising behaviours like anxiety and depression rather than the overt hyperactivity commonly seen in men. At Sanctum Healthcare, our specialists are experienced in recognising these gender differences and provide thorough assessments to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.
A comprehensive assessment at Sanctum Healthcare includes detailed interviews, behavioural evaluations, and standardised testing, tailored to address the unique ways ADHD and Autism present in women. Our team of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinicians trained in female neurodiversity, will discuss your developmental history, current challenges, and any co-existing conditions. We are committed to providing a supportive environment, ensuring you feel heard and understood throughout the process.
Treatment for women with ADHD and Autism often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to individual needs. Our multidisciplinary team at Sanctum Healthcare offers personalised treatment plans that may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), skills training, medication management, and support groups. We also focus on strategies to manage specific challenges such as sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and social skills, helping you to build a fulfilling and balanced life.
I cannot thank Sanctum enough! The whole process was Professionally carried out from my first enquiry to my diagnosis. The team were informative and guided myself and my partner in a sensitive and understanding manner throughout the whole process.
It took less than 30 days for a diagnosis, without this and the treatment received I have no idea where we would be now. I would highly recommend, all the staff are lovely and truly helped us. Thank you all so much.
Sanctum healthcare have been exceptional in the service and care provided, they are professional, friendly, knowledgeable and most importantly understanding. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt heard, the diagnosis process was extremely thorough, and I was offered a clear treatment plan.
Take the first step towards understanding and addressing your needs – schedule your assessment with Sanctum Healthcare today.
Sanctum has been established since 2019 and is led by our founder Dr Raffi who has experience spanning over 2 decades. Neurodiversity isn't just a job for us, it's our passion.
We don't just give you the answer, we don't just show you the working out, we educate you so that you are empowered to manage yourself in the longer term and aren't reliant on services.
We have read every book and piece of research and have years of clinical experience, but what gives us the true badge of expert is being neurodiverse ourselves or as parents of neurodiverse children.
We offer specialised care for a variety of Brain Health issues such as ADHD, Autism & addictive behaviours at our clinic in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Our team offer appointments via phone, video call and face to face.
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