Thesis by Cathy Wassell, founder and CEO of Autistic Girls Network.

Drawing on over 1,100 responses, the study explores the often-overlooked internal presentation of autism and how current systems continue to miss many autistic girls, women and non-binary people who mask or internalise their traits.

Cathy’s findings highlight the urgent need for more neuroaffirmative, non-pathologising approaches in diagnosis and support.