Therapy for Adult Autistic Women in Dallas, TX

Autistic women experience a distinct set of challenges shaped by the intersection of gender, neurodiversity, and often, their LGBTQ+ identities.

These challenges are compounded by societal expectations, the high demands of social masking, and the frequent underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis that many autistic women face. While general awareness about autism has increased, the unique experiences of autistic women are still often overlooked or misunderstood.

This is where trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ allied therapists can play a crucial role. By understanding these challenges and adopting a sensitive, inclusive approach, therapists can offer the support that autistic women need to navigate a world that often feels overwhelming and alienating.

Challenges Autistic Women Face that Therapy Can Help With

Social Masking and Identity Suppression

One of the most pervasive challenges for autistic women is the pressure to conform to neurotypical social norms. From a young age, many autistic women learn to "mask" their autistic traits to fit in with their peers. This might involve mimicking social behaviors, suppressing natural reactions, or hiding sensory sensitivities.

While masking can help autistic women avoid immediate social rejection, it comes at a significant cost.

Masking often leads to a disconnection from one's authentic self. Over time, the effort to present a neurotypical façade can result in chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Many autistic women report feeling like they are "performing" in social situations, which can be exhausting and contribute to a sense of isolation.

Furthermore, the constant pressure to mask can delay or prevent self-acceptance and understanding, as these women may struggle to reconcile their internal experiences with the external expectations placed upon them.

Trauma-informed therapists are crucial in helping autistic women unlearn the need to mask. Through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, therapists can create a safe space where autistic women feel empowered to explore and embrace their authentic selves. Additionally, therapists can support autistic women in developing strategies for navigating social situations in ways that honor their neurodiversity, rather than forcing them to conform to neurotypical norms.

Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis

Autistic women are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can lead to a lifetime of misunderstanding and mistreatment. The diagnostic criteria for autism have historically been based on male presentations, which can differ significantly from how autism manifests in women. As a result, many autistic women go undiagnosed until adulthood, or they are misdiagnosed with conditions such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This lack of accurate diagnosis can be profoundly damaging. Without a correct diagnosis, autistic women may not receive the appropriate support or accommodations they need, leading to a cycle of frustration, failure, and self-blame. Moreover, misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective or harmful treatments that do not address the underlying neurodiversity.

LGBTQ+ allied therapists are particularly well-positioned to support autistic women who have been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. These therapists are often skilled in working with clients who have complex identities and experiences, and they understand the importance of individualized care. By recognizing the unique ways autism can present in women, these therapists can help clients achieve an accurate diagnosis and access the appropriate support.

Intersectionality and Identity

For many autistic women, their neurodiversity is just one aspect of their identity. Many also identify as LGBTQ+, adding another layer of complexity to their experiences. The intersectionality of being both autistic and LGBTQ+ can exacerbate feelings of alienation and misunderstanding, as these women navigate not only a neurotypical world but also one that is often heteronormative and cisnormative.

The overlap between autism and LGBTQ+ identities is well-documented. Research has shown that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to the general population. However, this intersectionality can lead to unique challenges, such as discrimination, lack of acceptance, and difficulty finding supportive communities. Additionally, autistic women who are also LGBTQ+ may struggle with understanding and expressing their gender identity or sexual orientation, especially if they have internalized societal norms that do not reflect their authentic selves.

Trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ allied therapists are uniquely equipped to support autistic women in navigating these intersectional identities. By providing an affirming and inclusive therapeutic environment, these therapists can help clients explore their identities without fear of judgment or rejection. They can also offer guidance in finding and building supportive communities that embrace both neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ identities.

Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing differences are a hallmark of autism, and many autistic women experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This can include hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes, which can make everyday environments overwhelming or even intolerable. Sensory processing issues can lead to sensory overload, which can manifest as anxiety, irritability, or even physical pain.

For autistic women, sensory processing issues can be particularly challenging in environments where they are expected to conform to social norms, such as workplaces or social gatherings. The pressure to endure sensory discomfort without showing signs of distress can lead to increased stress and burnout.

Trauma-informed therapists understand the impact of sensory processing issues on mental health and can work with autistic women to develop coping strategies that reduce sensory overwhelm. This might include helping clients create sensory-friendly environments, advocating for accommodations in work or school settings, or teaching techniques for self-regulation during sensory overload.

Trauma and PTSD

Many autistic women experience trauma, both as a result of their neurodiversity and due to other factors such as abuse, bullying, or discrimination. The high prevalence of trauma among autistic women can be attributed to several factors, including the challenges of living in a neurotypical world, the effects of masking, and the vulnerability to exploitation or abuse.

Trauma can have a profound impact on the mental health of autistic women, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, the effects of trauma can be exacerbated by the sensory sensitivities and social challenges that many autistic women face, making it even more difficult to recover from traumatic experiences.

Trauma-informed therapists are essential in helping autistic women heal from trauma. These therapists recognize the ways in which trauma can intersect with neurodiversity and adopt a holistic approach to treatment. This might involve using therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that are tailored to the unique needs of autistic women.

Additionally, trauma-informed therapists understand the importance of pacing therapy in a way that respects the client's sensory and emotional boundaries.

Burnout and Mental Health Challenges

Autistic burnout is a phenomenon that many autistic women experience, often as a result of prolonged masking, sensory overload, and the cumulative stress of navigating a world that is not designed for neurodivergent individuals. Burnout can manifest as extreme exhaustion, loss of skills or abilities, increased sensitivity, and withdrawal from social interactions.

In addition to burnout, autistic women are at a higher risk for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. These conditions can be exacerbated by the pressures of masking, the difficulty of finding supportive communities, and the ongoing challenges of sensory processing.

Spark + Pivot can invaluable support for autistic women experiencing burnout and mental health challenges. By recognizing the signs of burnout and understanding its underlying causes, we can work together to develop self-care strategies, set boundaries, and prioritize your well-being. Moreover, by addressing co-occurring mental health conditions within the context of autism, Megan DuBose can offer more effective and compassionate care.

Navigating Relationships

Building and maintaining relationships can be a significant challenge for autistic women, especially when their social communication styles differ from neurotypical norms. Many autistic women struggle with understanding social cues, interpreting nonverbal communication, and navigating the complexities of romantic or sexual relationships. These challenges can lead to feelings of loneliness, rejection, or frustration.

For LGBTQ+ autistic women, navigating relationships can be even more complicated, as they may face additional barriers related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, autistic women who are also queer or transgender may struggle to find partners who understand and accept both their neurodiversity and their LGBTQ+ identity.

Trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ allied therapists can offer support in navigating relationships by providing guidance on communication, setting boundaries, and building healthy, fulfilling connections. These therapists can also help clients explore their relationship needs and preferences in a way that is affirming of both their neurodiversity and their LGBTQ+ identity. Furthermore, therapists can assist in processing past relationship traumas and developing resilience in the face of future challenges.

Employment and Workplace Challenges

Employment can be a significant source of stress for autistic women, who often face unique challenges in the workplace. These challenges might include difficulties with executive functioning, sensory sensitivities in the work environment, and the pressure to mask autistic traits to fit in with colleagues. Additionally, many workplaces are not equipped to provide the accommodations that autistic women need to succeed, leading to underemployment, job insecurity, and burnout.

For LGBTQ+ autistic women, the workplace can also be a source of discrimination or exclusion, particularly if they are open about their LGBTQ+ identity. This can create additional stress and further complicate the already challenging task of navigating a neurotypical work environment.

Spark + Pivot provides career counseling to support autistic women with employment challenges. We will work together to develop strategies for managing workplace stress, advocating for accommodations, and finding work environments that are more inclusive and supportive. Importantly, we can assist our clients in building self-confidence and resilience in the face of workplace challenges, empowering them to pursue fulfilling and meaningful careers.

Unmasking in therapy