Understanding the Experiences of Neurodivergent Women with Late Diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism: A Comprehensive Study into Lived Experience

about this project

We are conducting a study to better understand the experiences of women who were diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism later in life (after 25 years old). We want to learn about the challenges they face and how they cope with them. We also aim to develop support strategies to improve their lives.


The study will also help us better understand general attitudes and community understanding of ADHD and Autism in women.


If you are:

  • a women who was diagnosed with Autism or ADHD later in life (after age 25)

OR

  • a family member or close friend of a women who was late diagnosed

OR

  • a practitioner who works with late diagnosed women

and you can spare some time, we would love to hear your thoughts. Your involvement will be to share your thoughts through an online survey, or if you prefer a live interview via telephone or videoconference. The questions relate to general attitudes toward and experiences of neurodivergence in women; stigma and misconceptions, strategies for education and awareness.


We are working to create more awareness in the general community and the health care industry in order make life better for women who have been diagnosed with ADHD or Autism later in life. Your input is essential to our research.

Neurodivergent women - late diagnosed

If you are a woman with a late diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, we would like to hear about your experiences. You can participate by sharing your thoughts and experiences through a short online survey or a live interview that can be held online via videoconference or telephone. You can also email through your responses to questions. We will keep your information private and secure.

Family and close friends

If you are a family member of close friend of a woman with a late diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, we would like to hear about your experiences. You can participate by sharing your thoughts and experiences through a short online survey or a live interview that can be held online via videoconference or telephone. You can also email through your responses to questions. We will keep your information private and secure.

Practitioners

If you are a practitioner who works with neurodivergent women, we would like to invite you to participate in our research. We are conducting a study to better understand ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism in women who have a later life diagnosis (after 25 years old). Your involvement will be to share your thoughts through a semi-structured interview consisting of three questions. The three questions will be open-ended and invite you to share any professional challenges, insights or recommendations that you have providing assessment and/or support to Autistic women or those with ADHD.


About The Researchers

Dr Sonja Skocic - Principal Researcher

PhD., MPsych., GradDipPsych., GDMD., BSc.

Sonja is a Senior Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director of Melbourne Centre for Women's Mental Health. She has worked in the mental health field for thirty years providing psychological support for women and girls, conducting research in various areas of women's mental health as well as teaching and clinical supervision for students and registrars.


Lydia Perry - Research Assistant

Lydia joined Melbourne Centre for Women's Mental Health in 2023 as a part of the Monash Science Work Integrated Learning Placement. By partnering with Monash University, Science, our Centre aims to empower the next generation of researchers and contribute to meaningful breakthroughs. During her time as an intern, Lydia learned a lot about scientific method and the process of conducting a research project while she was assisting with an important research project into Late Life acknowledgement / diagnosis of Neurodivergence in adult women. Upon completion of her internship, Lydia was asked to officially join the team as a Research Assistant so we could continue to work on this project together.


Lydia is currently studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry, and enjoying many other Science and Arts subjects as part of her degree.

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