In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, we unpack the systemic gender biases that continue to impact neurodivergent people and explore the barriers that make accessing a diagnosis so challenging. Social conditioning often encourages girls and gender-diverse individuals to suppress their natural ways of thinking, behaving, and expressing themselves to meet rigid societal expectations. As a result, instead of being recognised as neurodivergent, they are frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed leaving their true needs unaddressed. In this conversation, we also highlight the importance of safe, neuroaffirming spaces where individuals can explore their identity without fear of judgment. Self-identification is valid, and many people who recognise their own neurodivergence have spent significant time researching, reflecting, and connecting with others before coming to this understanding. However, the healthcare system often dismisses self-identified neurodivergent people, making access to affirming support even more difficult. This episode is a compassionate, necessary conversation about breaking down stigma, challenging outdated diagnostic models, and advocating for a world that truly sees and supports all neurodivergent experiences. Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent Minds Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/ What’s inside? Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format. Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace. Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding. By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth