The Invisible Ones: Autistic Adults Without Intellectual Disability in Our Daily Psychiatrist Practices: How Not to Miss Them and Why?-View Presentation

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In this presentation, the speakers delve into the complexities and nuances of autism, focusing on underrepresented groups, particularly women and people of color, who face unique diagnostic and social challenges. Dr. Bernadette Grosjean, a trailblazer in autistic advocacy, is noted for uniting a diverse group to illuminate these perspectives. Highlights include how autism is often overlooked in women due to differences in symptoms presentation compared to men, leading to misdiagnoses such as borderline personality disorder. Women on the spectrum are less likely to meet traditional diagnostic criteria, which are biased towards male experiences of autism. This underdiagnosis results in inappropriate treatments and feelings of invalidation for those affected.<br /><br />The presentation also covers the intersection of race and autism, particularly the delayed diagnoses in Black communities, where cultural and systemic barriers exacerbate challenges. The speakers emphasize the critical need for autism research to include racially diverse populations and stress on how culturally specific behaviors might be misinterpreted or pathologized by clinicians unfamiliar with the diversity of autism presentations.<br /><br />Dr. Christina Keiss shares insights on how sensory preferences, repetitive behaviors, and unique social interactions might manifest in women, while Dr. Charlotte Medley discusses autism and addiction, suggesting that autistic individuals may use substances to self-medicate for anxiety and sensory overload. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment include a lack of clinician training in identifying autism, especially in adults, as they often look beyond traditional psychiatric training.<br /><br />Overall, the session underscores the importance of a nuanced, informed approach to autism, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for greater awareness and understanding within medical practice and the broader community.

Keywords

autism

underrepresented groups

women

people of color

diagnostic challenges

Dr. Bernadette Grosjean

misdiagnosis

race and autism

cultural barriers

Dr. Christina Keiss

sensory preferences

autism advocacy