The Significance of ADHD and AUTISM in women
ADHD & Autism: Why we need a new approach
Enhancing diagnostic assessment for ADHD and Autism in females across the lifespan from puberty to menopause and beyond
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People with ADHD report struggle significantly in 3 main areas
They Can't Focus when they want to
They Can't Relax when they want to
They Can't Connect when they want to
Choose women should choose Sanctum Healthcare
At Sanctum, we advocate for a gender-sensitive approach to diagnosis and treatment
Enhancing diagnostic assessment for ADHD and Autism in females across the lifespan from puberty to menopause and beyond
The number of autistic females remaining undiagnosed by the age of 18
21% of autistic women experience PMDD compared to 3% of non-autistic women
worsening ADHD symptoms during the premenstrual phase of menstrual cycle
likelihood to drop out of school compared to their peers without ADHD
Brain Health Treatments
Patient Satisfaction Rate
The notable differences for women with adhd
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.
What are the differences between ADHD & Autism in women?
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.
How women present differently for ADHD & Autism?
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.
Emotions & Behaviour as symptoms in women
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.
Women internalising Symptoms for ADHD & 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.
Females Masking Symptoms of ADHD
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 ADHD in women
How hormones impact neurodivergent women
Understanding the interplay between hormones and ADHD is crucial, as hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact the symptoms and management of ADHD in women.
The Impact of Oestrogen & Dopamine on 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.
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- Patient Centric Approach
Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact on ADHD in Women
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.
- Start your journey to your best self
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Common Symptoms and Their Impact on Daily Life
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.
- Excellent Treatment Success Rate
- Lasting Transformation for patients
Differential Diagnosis
- Anxiety: A common comorbidity in individuals with ADHD, characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily activities.
- Depression: Another frequent comorbidity, marked by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and various emotional and physical problems.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that includes emotional and physical symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life.
- Excellent Treatment Success Rate
- Lasting Transformation for patients
Our popular Autism Assessments for women
Female Adult Autism Assessments
Female Sensitive Adult Autism Assessment Package (18+)
£1325
Payment options available
Autism in females often involves masking social challenges, sensory sensitivity, emotional regulation difficulties, obsessive interests, sleep issues and increased anxiety.
- Female sensitive autism tools
- High functioning Autism
Female Adult Combined ADHD & Autism Assessment Package (18+)
£1980
Payment options available
The ultimate pathway to understanding brain health function in neurodivergent females with hormonal impact and physical health overlap causing delays in diagnosis.
- Disability Testing
- Academic or workplace support
Our popular Assessments
Female Children Assessments
Female Specific Child (11-15) ADHD Assessment
£1735
Payment options available
ADHD in girls aged 11-15 involves internalised symptoms, hormonal impacts, emotional struggles, physical health issues, and heightened challenges during puberty.
- Impact of puberty and high school
- Internalised symptoms
Female Specific Child (16-18) ADHD Assessment
£1735
Payment options available
ADHD in girls aged 16-18 presents with internalised symptoms, hormonal impacts, emotional struggles and increasing independence, highlighting challenges.
- Academic Adjustments
- Set them up to thrive
Female Child Autism Assessment Package (11-15)
£1735
Payment options available
Signs of autism in teens include social challenges, sensory sensitivities, emotional struggles, anxiety, low self-esteem, rigid thinking and organisational difficulties.
- ADHD Screening
- Age and Female specific tests
Female Child Autism Assessment Package (16-18)
£1735
Payment options available
Signs of autism in older teens include social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, depression, rigid thinking, organisation struggles and heightened self-awareness.
- Understand emotions
- Risk Management
Female Child Combined ADHD & Autism Package (11-15)
£2745
Payment options available
Analysis includes evaluating social interaction, sensory sensitivities, attention issues, emotional regulation, organisation skills, masking behaviours and impact of puberty and hormones.
- Masking and camouflaging
- The chaos of ADHD and Autism
Female Child Combined ADHD & Autism Package (16-18)
£2745
Payment options available
Offers insights into social skills, sensory sensitivities, organisation, emotional regulation, and the challenges of increasing independence in adolescent females.
- Risk of addictive behaviour
- Self harm and emotions
Precision Brain Health with cutting edge technology for ADHD & Autism
Using Whoop Band
Wearable technology
Real Time Reports
Continuous Monitoring
Via App Notifcations
Data Driven Intervention
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START YOUR JOURNEY WITH SANCTUM HEALTHCARE
The next steps in your ADHD & Autism consultation
Step 1 - Complete Assessment Forms
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 TouchStep 2- we conduct our due diligence
Self reports, observer feedback, performance testing, completing validated psychometric assessment tools and also assessment tools to assess your physical and hormonal health.
Get In TouchStep 3 - Appointments with specialists
A 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 TouchStep 4- Multidisciplinary, multistage approach
We 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 TouchStep 5 - Next steps and follow ups
The 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 TouchStep 6- How we manage your ADHD & Autism condition
This could include:
Hormonal testing, Cycle tracking, Trial of medication, Psychoeducation, Support groups, Health coaching.
Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions about female ADHD & Autism
Female ADHD & Autism FAQs
Women 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.
client Testimonials for FEMALE SPECIFIC ADHD & AUTISM
Feedback From our happy patients
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.
Audrey Eastwood
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.
Sally Brett
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.
Becky Ash
Book Your Assessment Today Offering Next-Day Assessments for ADHD and Autism.
Take the first step towards understanding and addressing your needs – schedule your assessment with Sanctum Healthcare today.
Quality Led By Passion
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.
Our Approach to Female ADHD & Autism
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 understand ADHD & Autism in Females
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.
