For a long time, autism has been described in a way that doesn’t quite the experience of many women. The images in books and movies, the checklists in diagnostic manuals—they’ve usually been based on how autism shows up in boys. That’s why, for many women, your story hasn’t been fully seen or heard.

But that doesn’t mean your story is any less real. In fact, it’s exactly why your story matters.

As a psychologist, one of the questions I often hear from families is: “What does it mean for therapy to be neurodiversity affirming?” It’s a phrase that is becoming more common, but not everyone has a clear sense of what it involves.

Put simply, a neurodiversity affirming approach is a way of understanding and supporting autistic individuals (and other neurodivergent people) that respects their differences rather than viewing them as deficits. It recognizes autism as a natural and valid part of human diversity. This perspective matters because the way we understand autism directly shapes the supports, therapies, and opportunities we provide.