ADHD & Autism in Women: Missed, Dismissed & Reclaiming Your Voice

A groundbreaking 2023 study revealed that the AuDHD brain has entirely distinct dynamics compared to ADHD or autism alone. Yet, despite the growing number of women being diagnosed with both conditions, much of the research and guidance remains focused on each condition in isolation—often offering conflicting advice.

This talk is your opportunity to unpack what it truly means to be an AuDHD woman. Together, we'll explore:

• Masking, Societal Norms, and the Gender Gap: Explore how societal expectations and the pressure to mask our traits have led to widespread underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in women.
• Emotional Regulation & Safety: Learn tools to create emotional safety within ourselves and our relationships through a holistic, trauma-informed lens.
• The Role of Hormones in Neurodivergence: Dive deep into how key hormones like oestrogen and progesterone interact with neurotransmitters and amino acids to affect our emotions, cognition, and well-being—often in ways that diverge from neurotypical experiences.
• Co-occurring Conditions: Understand the common co-occurring conditions that impact many of us and how to navigate them.
• Burnout and Recovery: Unpack the chronic burnout many of us experience and discover strategies for recovery and prevention.
• A Safe Space for Discovery: Share and reflect on your experiences in a system that often assesses us in isolation, overlooking our overlapping neurodivergent traits.
• Strengths & Empowerment: Celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives our neurotype offers.
• Interactive Engagement: Shape the discussion with live anonymised polls and contribute to a dynamic Q&A session to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
  
  We'll end the evening with a calming, affirmative meditation to help you leave feeling grounded, affirmed, and inspired.
  
  Whether you’re newly diagnosed, exploring what it means to identify as AuDHD, or simply seeking community and tools for self-growth, this event promises to be an illuminating and validating experience.
  
  Join us to reclaim your voice, celebrate your neurodiversity and connect with others who truly understand.

The lived experience research from this event will inform our "Train the Helpers" Programme "".

Dr. Samantha Hiew is an award-winning expert in neurodiversity and the founder of . Named a Difference Maker by PBS America and a Positive Role Model for Gender finalist by National Diversity Awards, Sam uses her PhD in medical science and lived experience to illuminate the complexities of neurodivergence.

Having worked with over 80 FTSE companies, Sam is a leading voice in neurodiversity, women’s empowerment and intersectionality. She has inspired over 100,000 people worldwide through her talks, which blend neuroscience, psychological and physiological science with personal stories to humanise neurodiversity and empower others. Her work has been featured in Loose Women, the Guardian, Forbes, Stylist, Psychology Today, and more, making her a trusted advocate for reframing neurodiverse experiences as a strength.

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