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About the event
With Neurodiversity Celebration Week taking place the week after International Women’s Day, it is more important than ever for us to consider why there are more women and girls coming forward identifying as neurodivergent.
Until relatively recently, diagnosis of differences such as Autism and ADHD were often seen in the ‘male’ domain. More research was done relating to boys and their behaviours and screening tools often had a male bias.
This results in many women and girls being underrepresented or mis-diagnosed. So, what can we do to bridge this inequality of knowledge and inequality of access?
Please join us for an exciting panel discussion where we will hear different perspectives and voices from neurodivergent women.
Specifically, we will explore:
How neurodiversity presents differently in women and girls
Why women and girls are so often misdiagnosed
The challenges of masking
The challenges and benefits of having a diagnosis
Which accommodations and support can be most beneficial
You will gain an awareness of how women and girls are impacted by gender stereotyping as well as strategies and resources that can help overcome some of their challenges.
Please note that our events are not being recorded, to encourage our participants to speak openly about their personal stories and experiences.
Sam Hiew | Event Chair
Founder and Director of ADHD Girls
Dr Samantha Hiew is the Director of ADHD Girls, a neurodiversity keynote speaker and consultant with a background in communications and medical science PhD, and is an autistic-ADHDer, dyspraxic and Touretter.
Sam specialises in demystifying ADHD & neurodiversity. Her work bridges two worlds - those with lived experiences of neurodivergence & those who don't - so we work towards integration within society.
Her work has been recognised with double nominations of “Stereotype Buster” and Community Choice” categories at the 2022 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards.
Cathy Wassell
CEO Autistic Girls Network charity
Cathy is the CEO of Autistic Girls Network charity, Author of the Amazon bestseller Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person, mum of 2 neurodivergent young people and is neurodivergent herself.
Charlotte Valeur
Chair, Institute Of Neurodiversity ION
Charlotte Valeur is a FTSE Chair and Non-Executive Director whose board-level experience spans a host of sectors and industries and covers IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and restructuring.
She is a recognised international authority and professor in corporate governance and leadership, and author of Effective Directors (Questions to Ask).
A lifelong human rights advocate, Charlotte is driven to play her part in creating an inclusive society; she advocates for equality and inclusion for all, working at the intersection of Government, Industry, Academia and the Third Sector. To this effect she also founded and chair Board Apprentice and the global Institute of Neurodiversity, ION.
Elizabeth Bonker
Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL
Elizabeth Bonker is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to gain communication for the estimated 31 million non-speakers with autism worldwide. Elizabeth types to communicate and her decade of advocacy work has included a book, TEDMED Talk, and music album. In May 2022, Elizabeth’s Valedictorian Commencement Address at Rollins College went viral with more than 4 billion media impressions creating momentum for her mission, including working with tech giants to improve accessibility. Major initiatives include C4A Schools and C4A Academy to expand education access. Elizabeth is a member of Autism Society’s Council of Advisors.
Alexandra Almaral
Change Leadership and Partnerships Consultant, Founder of The Shift Initiative
Alexandra Almaral is a change leadership consultant, keynote speaker on intersectionality, women’s health, and change dynamics, and founder of The Shift Initiative, an advisory and research consultancy focused on health equity; she holds a master's in systemic change from INSEAD.
From her lived experience navigating multiple healthcare systems around the world and business background at the intersection of diversity dynamics, design thinking, and innovation, she brings a unique understanding of how the complexity and intersectionality of the human experience can be met with a more inclusive and holistic approach for the benefit of all.
Emma Case
Founder, Women Beyond the Box
Emma Case is the visionary behind Women Beyond the Box, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion company committed to cultivating neuro-inclusive workplaces in collaboration with global organisations. In 2019, Emma unveiled the annual Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women list, a ground-breaking campaign that shines a spotlight on and honours the professional journeys of neurodivergent women.
Drawing from her expertise in women's leadership development, Emma extends her impact by coaching and mentoring neurodivergent women and teams. Her guidance empowers them to navigate the intricacies of the workplace with resilience and to forge confident career paths.