The Impacts of Neurodivergence on Mental Health in Young Girls and Young Adults
Neurodivergence—an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, and more—presents uniquely in young girls and young adults. While awareness has grown, many still go undiagnosed or misunderstood due to masking behaviors, societal expectations, and gender bias in diagnostic criteria. These challenges can significantly impact mental health during critical stages of development.
Hidden Struggles
Girls and young women who are neurodivergent often mask or camouflage their differences to blend in. This means they may suppress their natural behaviors, push through sensory overwhelm, or mimic social cues to avoid standing out. While this may help them “fit in” temporarily, it comes at a high emotional cost—leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and low self-worth.
Many girls are also misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely because they don’t fit the traditional (often male-based) profile of neurodivergence. This delay in diagnosis can cause confusion and frustration, leaving them without proper support during their most formative years.
Mental Health Consequences
The internalization of these struggles can lead to:
The Importance of Early Support and Affirmation
Early identification, inclusive environments, and emotional support are key. Neurodivergent girls and young adults benefit greatly from spaces where they are allowed to express themselves authentically, where their differences are seen as strengths, and where mental health support is proactive and affirming.
The Girls ALIVE NC social club aims to change this narrative—creating safe spaces that celebrate Awareness, Love, Inclusion, Voice, and Empowerment. When neurodivergent girls are seen, heard, and valued, their mental health outcomes improve—and so does their overall quality of life.
Let’s continue the conversation: How can we better support the mental health of neurodivergent girls in our homes, schools, and communities? Girls A.L.I.V.E NC is a start!
Neurodivergence—an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, and more—presents uniquely in young girls and young adults. While awareness has grown, many still go undiagnosed or misunderstood due to masking behaviors, societal expectations, and gender bias in diagnostic criteria. These challenges can significantly impact mental health during critical stages of development.
Hidden Struggles
Girls and young women who are neurodivergent often mask or camouflage their differences to blend in. This means they may suppress their natural behaviors, push through sensory overwhelm, or mimic social cues to avoid standing out. While this may help them “fit in” temporarily, it comes at a high emotional cost—leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and low self-worth.
Many girls are also misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely because they don’t fit the traditional (often male-based) profile of neurodivergence. This delay in diagnosis can cause confusion and frustration, leaving them without proper support during their most formative years.
Mental Health Consequences
The internalization of these struggles can lead to:
- Anxiety and Depression: Constantly feeling “different” or “not enough” can erode self-esteem and trigger chronic anxiety or depression.
- Social Isolation: Difficulty in forming or maintaining friendships due to misunderstood behaviors may cause loneliness.
- Suicidal Ideation: Studies show that neurodivergent individuals, especially autistic girls and women, are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts, particularly when their needs are not met or understood.
The Importance of Early Support and Affirmation
Early identification, inclusive environments, and emotional support are key. Neurodivergent girls and young adults benefit greatly from spaces where they are allowed to express themselves authentically, where their differences are seen as strengths, and where mental health support is proactive and affirming.
The Girls ALIVE NC social club aims to change this narrative—creating safe spaces that celebrate Awareness, Love, Inclusion, Voice, and Empowerment. When neurodivergent girls are seen, heard, and valued, their mental health outcomes improve—and so does their overall quality of life.
Let’s continue the conversation: How can we better support the mental health of neurodivergent girls in our homes, schools, and communities? Girls A.L.I.V.E NC is a start!