Ep. 12 - Here Come the Girls

For decades, autism science has failed women.

Lindsey talks with internationally renowned British cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Gina Rippon, whose latest book “Off the Spectrum” (titled “The Lost Girls of Autism” in the UK) details how autism research and diagnostic models have historically overlooked women and girls. For far too long, autism was considered “a boys’ disorder,” and misguided stereotypes persist to this day.

Dr. Rippon shares how societal expectations, harmful assumptions and masking behaviors have contributed to the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of autistic girls and women as Lindsey conveys her own experiences as a diagnostician – going 5 years to start her career without ever seeing an autistic female patient to now when females seeking her diagnosis far outnumber males. The conversation challenges long-held ideas about brains, gender and neurodiversity while asking how science can do better.

This episode marks the What’s Up With Catalight! one-year anniversary — thank you to all our listeners for joining us on this journey!

“Off the Spectrum/The Lost Girls of Autism” by Dr. Gina Rippon: https://www.ginarippon.com/the-lost-girls-of-autism