Continue along with Michelle and Janine as they delve further into neurodivergence and how it shows up differently based upon sex (male vs. female).  Focusing this week on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Janine shares with us just some of her many research findings obtained down many a rabbit hole after discovering from TikTok how ASD is expressed in women, and the lack of medical or scientific research being conducted with female patients.  Being inspired by the stories of different women speaking up about their experiences living with undiagnosed ASD for so long, being chronically misdiagnosed for other mental health disorders, medicated incorrectly for years, told how to act and conform into society's standards, learning how to mask and script their way into a vague acceptance from peers and loved ones alike; Janine knew it was her mission to begin our 2023 surrounding mental health, invisible disabilities, research, advocacy, resources, etc.  Michelle has a background supporting and advocating for individuals with a range of disabilities and provides a wealth of great insights from her experience and education. 

Michelle and Janine are both incredibly passionate about mental health and want to strive to continue learning and educating our audience about our findings and specific experiences, and those of our listeners, to continue spreading these conversations and spurring on change. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to continue bridging the gap between the differences in our humanity. The resources in this country are still very much inequitable. Something needs to change.  

To all our neurodivergent ladies, you are NOT too much! Your voice matters, your feelings are valid, and your authentic self is absolutely perfect!!! Keep learning, keep growing, and let's continue to do better, and be better each and every single day. Knowledge is power. Listen to understand another perspective. Let's rewrite our stories, let's live our lives how we see fit, while not harming anyone else, being as mindful as possible of the others around us and their needs, too. Let's bridge the gap and reconnect to the human spirit. 

RESOURCES: 

Cook, Jennifer, and Navah Paskowitz-Asner. Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum. Skyhorse Publishing, 2021, Hoopla Digital, https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12375156, Accessed 13 Feb. 2023.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33715473/ The gap between IQ and adaptive functioning in autism spectrum disorder: Disentangling diagnostic and sex differences

https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/autism-adaptive-skills

https://www.idrlabs.com/autism-spectrum/test.php

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/airports-are-creating-inclusive-quiet-spaces-where-all-travelers-can-find-calm

https://sensorycity.org/autism-friendly-spaces/