Harvard Health defines neurodiversity as the diverse ways people experience the world, often in the context of conditions like autism (ASD), ADHD, or learning disabilities. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent. As awareness grows, it’s crucial to explore how gender, diet, sports, and AI-driven innovation can impact neurodivergent individuals
Neurodivergence Gender Differences: The Hidden Crisis
Neurodivergent girls and women are often caught in a web of misdiagnosis and neglect. The Australian Psychology Society reveals that many, particularly autistic females, are frequently misdiagnosed or simply overlooked. Shockingly, research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that around 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by age 18. This stark reality highlights a critical flaw in our diagnostic systems: criteria are predominantly based on male behaviors, leaving female neurodivergents sidelined.
Females often have to “camouflage” their neurodivergent traits, internalizing their struggles and creating a façade of normalcy. This leads to a longer undetected period. For instance, while boys exhibiting disruptive behaviors are quickly referred for ADHD assessments, girls with the inattentive subtype are dismissed as mere “daydreamers.”
The National Autistic Society notes that autistic women and girls often display behaviors and interests that align closely with those of their neurotypical counterparts, further obscuring their neurodivergence.
Puberty adds another layer of complexity, as hormonal shifts can intensify symptoms of neurodivergence. According to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, girls with ADHD often having to face a surge in symptoms during puberty, such as emotional dysregulation and increased inattention, alongside escalating self-esteem and mental health challenges.
The situation doesn’t improve with age; menopause presents additional hurdles. According to National Autistic Society, autistic women frequently report a worsening of traits during perimenopause and menopause, experiencing heightened sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation issues, and executive function difficulties.
Clearly this gender disparity in neurodivergence diagnosis and support demands urgent attention which comes in part by refining our diagnostic criteria to recognize and validate the experiences of neurodivergent girls and women, ensuring they receive the understanding and support they need to thrive.
Neurodivergence and Mental Health
Mental health challenges are closely linked to neurodivergence. Nearly 30% of children with ADHD also have anxiety disorders, according to Psychology Today. A study published in The British Journal of Hospital Medicine found that neurodivergent women are prone to higher risks of mood disorders, addiction, and eating disorders. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to providing the right support and minimizing long-term mental health impacts.
Diet and Supplements
Research published in the National Library of Medicine found that neurodivergent individuals often experience dietary challenges, such as food aversions and nutritional deficiencies. Another research published in the National Library of Medicine highlights that conditions like ADHD and ASD are worsened by low levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium. Addressing these deficiencies with supplements can improve neurological function and overall health.
For example, Sibelius Natural Products offers evidence-based nutritional supplements aimed at cognitive support, focusing on reducing the impact of ADHD and other neurological challenges. Similarly, Neuriva Nootropics develops supplements designed to boost brain health for neurodivergent individuals, improving focus and emotional regulation.
Sports as a Game Changer
Research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that sports aren’t just physical—it can be mentally transformative for neurodivergent individuals. Exercise can slash anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues while boosting confidence, emotional stability, and focus. Project Haans emphasizes that sports can help neurodivergent individuals manage stress, improve attention, and develop crucial social skills through peer interaction.
Beyond mental health, sports can offer an outlet for excess energy and frustrations, promoting better behavioral regulation. Participation can significantly increase self-esteem and provide a deep sense of belonging.
However, Neurodiverse Sport reports that only 25% of neurodivergent individuals in the UK engage in sports, compared to 40% of neurotypical individuals. Why? There tends to be a lack of understanding and support in sports environments. Neurodivergent athletes tend to feel isolated, but this gap can be closed by training coaches in neuroinclusive practices.
Organizations like Neurodiverse Sport are paving the way by offering specialized training for coaches, creating inclusive environments where neurodivergent athletes can truly thrive. Sports can be a powerful tool for empowering neurodivergent individuals, giving them the support and space they need to excel, both physically and mentally.
The Role of AI in Diagnosis and Providing Better Tools
AI is transforming how we diagnose and support neurodivergent individuals. Undiagnosed neurodivergence can often lead to heightened mental health issues, less family support, and lower self-acceptance. But AI is stepping in to streamline and improve the accuracy of diagnoses.
Cognoa, for instance, uses AI to diagnose autism (ASD) by analyzing data from questionnaires and videos. EarliTec tracks eye movements to detect ASD through AI-driven pattern recognition. Similarly, BGaze leverages AI to process multiple data points, leading to more accurate ADHD diagnoses. These innovations are crucial, especially for girls and women who are often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to male-centered diagnostic criteria.
However, to ensure fair and effective diagnoses, AI models must be trained on diverse datasets, representing all genders and ethnicities. Without this, AI risks perpetuating existing biases on a larger scale.
Beyond diagnosis, AI is also helping neurodivergent individuals manage everyday challenges. Cogs AI assists users in navigating daily tasks, managing emotions, and building mental health habits. SocialMind Autism uses AI to help individuals with ASD improve social skills, while Comigo provides ADHD users with a digital companion for mental wellness and productivity support. EndeavorRx is the first FDA-approved AI video game designed to treat ADHD in children by improving their attention skills, Brain Power uses AI and augmented reality to help individuals with autism develop social, emotional, and communication skills.
These AI-powered tools are changing the game—offering earlier diagnosis, personalized care, and practical support for neurodivergent individuals in their daily lives. These tools can be extremely beneficial to neurodivergent women. By offering adaptive and accessible solutions, neurodiverse women can better address their emotional challenges and navigate life with greater confidence, enabling them to thrive in environments that may otherwise feel overwhelming. AI can be a key factor in helping neurodivergent women reach their full potential.
Pushing for Inclusive Innovation
At Goddess Gaia Ventures, we are dedicated to investing in startups addressing health issues that disproportionately affect women. Neurodiversity is still largely viewed through a male-centric lens, leaving neurodivergent women and girls overlooked and underserved. This surely has to change. I would like to add that we are not invested in the companies mentioned above.
We need bold innovations at every level—from diagnosis to sports—powered by smarter tools, better data, and AI-driven solutions. Companies are already leading the way, but more must be done. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent women, we can empower them to thrive in a world that finally provides the support they deserve.
#InnovateForHer #Neurodiversity #WomenInHealth #HealthTech #ArtificalIntelligence