‘ADHD- Socialised as Female ‘ 

C.A.Watts (she/they) is a teacher, academic, author and designer from the Hunter Valley of Australia. She is the only Autistic teacher in the Hunter Valley region to offer Neurodivergence professional development training, and founded the Neurodivergent Network within the New South Wales Department of Education. They are currently undertaking a Higher Research Degree in Critical Autism Studies.

In this presentation Courtney will discuss:

• Historical understandings of ADHD and how this has led to exclusionary practices.
• The myth of ‘female ADHD’. They’re not different, they simply present differently because we are socialised differently. Eg. The frazzled disorganised stereotype only seems to be described in those perceived as women because society doesn’t expect men to be organised.
• Latest ADHD research from the ITAKOM conference on puberty, menopause and hormonal cycles impact on medication.
• Managing life as an ADHDer and the ‘default parent’. Women are more likely to be the default parent which includes a higher mental load. Research from ASfAR showed concerns in asking for help regarding government intervention with their kids.
• Life outcomes: work struggles post industrial revolution, imprisonment, addiction, early death. All avoidable with understanding and societal change. Women are at greater risk of DV. This is compounded with disability, gender non conformity and racialisation. With less recognition of women comes less support and worse life outcomes.