My communities have been so under-served, I often struggle to get other black and marginalised women to speak out on their experiences. I offer mine because I would have loved to see the representation I needed growing up. I feel things would be better if professionals had seen and worked with more autistic females like me.

I found being an undiagnosed autistic person alienating. Nobody, myself included, knew why I was different. I was bullied and excluded, highlighted by teachers for my intelligence but penalised socially, without the tools necessary to overcome the stresses and trauma that comes with those burdens. I was failed by not being supported and had my life hindered, through no fault of my caregivers. I did not know myself, although I knew myself very well. That has been extremely damaging and soul destroying in my experience.

The more that is understood about the vast differences of autistic females, the more women and girls can be saved and supported throughout their lives. Fewer suicides and reckless behaviours, fewer sexual assaults and other volatile situations getting swept under imaginary carpets. 

My hopes are for more diversity and strength in education, service provisions and workforces. A better quality of life for women and girls like me.
 

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