Recognising and responding to physical and mental health issues in neurodivergent girls and women

Kelly, C., Martin, R., Taylor, R., & Doherty, M. (2024). Recognising and responding to physical and mental health issues in neurodivergent girls and women. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 85(4), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0337

Publication date: 2 Apr 2024 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

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Authors

Publication authors
4
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 4 (25.0%)

Abstract

People experience life and interact with others in many ways. The term 'neurodivergence' refers to variations from what is considered typical. Research and education into conditions that cooccur with neurodivergence are essential in shaping clinicians' approaches to people who may present with a wide range of symptoms. Neurodivergence may influence a person's style of communication, learning, attitudes, and behaviour, and they often experience inequity and rejection. This review highlights the huge burden of cooccurring conditions carried by neurodivergent women and girls whose medical issues have largely gone under the radar. We suggest how clinicians might increase their awareness of diagnosis and management of their problems with mutual benefit.

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Cited references
39
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
5 / 39 (12.8%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
8 / 397 (2.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 8 / 83 (9.6%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 7 / 366 (1.9%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
83 / 397 (20.9%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 65 / 366 (17.8%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
75 / 83 (90.4%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 75 / 397 (18.9%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 58 / 65 (89.2%).
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