Q. Are there any clear pathways for clinical assessments for neurodivergence for females? I have found this area lacking and a lack of knowledge amongst health professionals generally.
Mum of girl aged 5-8
A.
I had to sit with this question for quite some time to be able to answer it without getting too fired up.
As an Adult
As someone who grew up (went to uni, travelled, built a career, got married, had kids, etc, etc) without a diagnosis, I am painfully aware how much “girl autism” is ignored by medical professionals. Even as a 40 year old with a clinically confirmed neurodivergent child and a private neurodivergence assessment from the Neurodiversity Hub, my GP pushed back when I asked for a psych referral for formal assessment. Instead ordered bloodwork, and assumed Vitamin D deficiency and low BMI was the problem. It was only because I had effectively staged a sit-in in her office 6 months earlier for my own child that she gave me the referrals I’d requested.
As a Parent
What a journey. What a disgusting, dismissive, gaslighting journey.
At 7 months old I flagged concern that they were in pain, because their “tantrums” seemed too dramatic and too frequent. I was told I should consider antidepressants, and PND assessment.
At 20 months I was concerned that they were not communicating using verbal language, despite being excellent at communicating using sign and body language, and being able to follow complex instructions for their age. I expressed concern about muscle tone, as they could not crawl well (rowing bum-shuffler) and would not bear any weight on their legs. I was told, “Be patient, Mum”.
Over the years to come I discussed numerous problems including gastrointestinal issues and selective mutism, asked for referrals to paediatricians, subjected my poor baby to multiple blood tests… and not only did no health professional look at their records and recognise a clear pattern of neurodivergence, but when I raised this as a concern I was laughed off by doctors. Even literally!
When they were 6, I apologised to the GP for being “that parent” and said I wasn’t leaving without a referral to a private psychologist for a full ASD assessment. It meant I would have to pay privately, which is not an option for everyone financially, but that we would be on the right journey.
And, low and behold, kiddo is neurodivergent. Impacted enough in current society to qualify for NDIS.
And yet it was the same doctor who begrudgingly gave me my referrals.
Learn From My Mistakes
So, my advice? If you can afford it, just get it done. Tell your GP you need the referral, even if it’s a complete waste of your money. Before you see your GP, I strongly recommend researching neuroaffirming psychs, and asking your GP for a referral to them. Don’t just go to whomever your GP suggests; I’ve learned this the hard way! Some health professionals perceive neurodivergence as a failing, so will “err on the side of caution” rather than diagnosing. Major facepalm.
If you can’t afford this approach, find out which paediatricians are both neuroaffirming and familiar with “girl autism”, and ask your GP for a referral to them. Then pull the sit-in approach on the paediatrician if they suggest they won’t assess or provide a referral for assessment. The wait lists aren’t pretty, but the sooner you’re on the list the sooner your child will be seen. You can always request to be contacted in the case of any cancellations when you make your appointment.
While You Wait
In the meantime, join the likes of Yellow Ladybugs to get the support you need for you and your child. If you suspect your child is neurodivergent, I feel the best approach is to assume you’re right and act accordingly until they’re assessed.
And keep asking questions, asking for help, and seeking support. You’ve got this!