The dark truth - Why ADHD and autistic women are vulnerable to gendered violence and sexual victimisation

A call on International Women's Day for female allyship, knowledge sharing, increased research into gendered violence against ND women and elevating the voice of lived experience

Trigger warning: This article discusses the abuse of neurodivergent women and suicide. If you are a survivor of sexual assault or abuse, please read with self-compassion and care.

Every year, for over a century, March 8 has been recognised as International Women's Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the achievements of women and acknowledging the ongoing challenges they face in relation to gender equality. Today, I call on neurodivergent women to help draw attention to a pressing and often silenced issue: the vulnerability of ADHD and autistic women to gender-based violence and sexual abuse.

The statistics are alarming. According to one study, 9 out of 10 autistic women have experienced sexual assault, 56% occurring before the age of consent, and most multiple times (Cazalis et al., 2022). Other research shows that 1 in 3 ADHD women report having experienced childhood sexual abuse (Goodman et al., 2016).

These figures highlight a widespread, systemic problem that often goes unnoticed, making neurodivergent women more susceptible to toxic and abusive relationships. This International Women’s Day, we must raise awareness about these risks and work towards creating better protections and support systems for ADHD and autistic women.

I wrote this article out of frustration over the lack of accessible, evidence-based information for neurodivergent women. It is not intended as a quick or easy read, but rather as a thorough and thought-provoking examination of why neurodivergent women are vulnerable to victimisation.

This article presents a multidimensional analysis of the risk factors and insights based on the research and lived experience. While some readers may find the topic confronting, we must acknowledge these realities. Neurodivergent women deserve more attention, support, and protection from gendered violence, and the time for change is now.

Call to action 1
Share this article with other neurodivergent women

Knowledge is power. This article is a call for female allyship and knowledge sharing. Every woman who reads and shares this article can help spread this vital information. It is time for neurodivergent women to be empowered by the knowledge of the risks we face and to pass this knowledge on to the next generation.

It is time to break the cycle of gendered violence. Neurodivergent women deserve better, and we can start by making our voices heard. The time for change is now.

A Personal Journey: From Trauma to Insight

"I am not diagnosing you with borderline personality disorder; you do not have a personality disorder, Leanne. This was caused by trauma."

These were the words of an astute psychiatrist who, after spending two hours with me, diagnosed me with severe Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). At age 34, I had a psychological breakdown that left me unable to work or function and chronically suicidal, a result of another abusive relationship and a lifetime of familial abuse.

"You attract vindictive men."

I love the word "vindictive." It means spiteful and vengeful. Reading between the lines, I heard, "You attract men who take their issues with their mothers out on other women." He never explained why this was happening to me.

Later, while pursuing my postgraduate degree in positive psychology and writing a self-reflective paper on my coaching practice, I would connect the dots. In a moment of deep introspection, I had the profound realisation that I had autistic traits; that revelation turned my world upside down. Suddenly, everything made perfect sense.

For a long time, I believed I was unconsciously "re-enacting" early relational patterns from my childhood, blaming myself for my abuse. I was physically and emotionally abused, scapegoated, and ruthlessly abandoned by my parents at just 15 years old.

Both my parents have dark personality traits. I could not be more different —I am hyper-empathetic and kind. I honestly thought I had been mixed up at birth until I learned about the links between ADHD and autism and the abuse of girls and women.

Late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic women like me report alarming levels of relational abuse, subsequent breakdown, burnout, mental illness, unemployment, homelessness, and suicide. Of particular concern are the rates of child abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse. Neurodivergent women are more likely to find themselves in toxic relationships.

Raising awareness & empowering neurodivergent women

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k31t

Famous autistic women like Melanie Sykes, Fern Brady, and Christine McGuinness have bravely spoken out about their experiences of abuse and exploitation. Melanie Sykes wrote, "I felt like a sitting duck for narcissists." To my knowledge, no one has offered real insight into why these toxic relational patterns occur. Perhaps I should help open women's eyes.

In Unmasking My Autism, a BBC documentary, Christine McGuinness courageously discussed the silenced abuse of neurodivergent women and her survival of childhood sexual abuse. Her story left me in tears. Months later, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD by one of the program’s experts, Dr. Emma Colvert. During my assessment Emma asked me, "How did watching that make you feel?"

“Honestly? I am furious for women.”

The programme reported some harrowing statistics affecting women like me. “I was sexually abused, like so many autistic women.” Christine McGuiness. Neurodivergent women are being disproportionately targeted for abuse. Yet Neurotypical researchers remain perplexed as to why:

”An association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been documented. However, the temporal relationship between these problems and the roles of trauma-related symptoms or other forms of maltreatment remain unclear.” (Langevin et al., 2021)

Call to action 2
Elevating the voice of lived experience and silenced survivors

There is a desperate need for primary research with and by people with lived experience in order to offer better insight into the risk factors for gendered violence. It is important that we continue to elevate the silenced voices of neurodivergent women who have been impacted by gendered violence and sexual victimisation. Courage is contagious. I hope that this article triggers other women to speak out.

Call to action 3
The need for more (objective) research

The evidence is clear that female ADHD and autism increase the risk of gendered violence and sexual abuse. Studies show that ADHD in particular is linked to higher rates of being involved in intimate partner violence (Arrondo et al., 2023). Yet, the connection between neurotypes and abusive relational dynamics remains underexplored, and the links made in this article overlooked.

Blind spots and bias in the current research

The current literature tends to over-attribute individual physical and psychological risk factors and generalise from research about ADHD and autistic boys and men, blinding researchers to evident risk factors. Bias in researcher analysis is likely the result of three things: fundamental attribution error, victim blaming and the early influence of Sigmund Freud.

Fundamental Attribution Error
Fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias whereby we over-attribute causation to individual differences and overlook extrinsic factors. This bias is gendered. Classroom studies by Dweck and analysis of media reporting on the accountability of CEOs for corporate failures show that girls and women are more likely to be blamed personally, while extrinsic factors are overlooked. In contrast, we are more likely to make excuses for boys and men (Dweck, 2006).

Victim Blaming
Victim blaming is also innately gendered – women are more likely to be victimised than men. Two to three times as many women will subsequently be diagnosed with CPTSD or BPD. CPTSD is commonly caused by chronic relational abuse, and BPD is associated with high levels of childhood abuse, especially sexual abuse (Briere & Scott, 2015). Incidentally, the most common misdiagnosis and de-diagnosis of ADHD and autism is BPD (Biederman et al., 2005).

Sigmund Freud
His work is often seen as foundational, but his views on women and sexuality have been widely criticised. Sigmund Freud was the founding father of medical gaslighting. Freud was responsible for the theory of ‘penis envy’, postulating that young girls experience anxiety, i.e. fear, when they realise they do not have a penis. Freud claimed that women fantasised about being raped, had delusions of having been raped, and diagnosed sexual abuse victims with hysteria. I believe the modern-day equivalent is borderline personality disorder, many of whom have been raped and have underlying ADHD or autism.

This is a call for more research. There is an urgent need to replace researcher assumptions and gender biassed research with first-hand accounts and investigate survivors' lived experiences.

Why are neurodivergent women vulnerable to gendered violence and sexual victimisation - a multidimensional analysis

This article provides a multidimensional analysis grounded in research literature, my research with neurodivergent women and insights from lived experiences. It makes inferences and offers insights that some readers may find confronting. It is written, with the caveat that further research is needed to examine these risk factors in the context of lived experience of neurodivergent women.

A Biological Risk Factors

1. Assigned Female Sex at Birth (AFAB)
Violence is fundamentally gendered. Girls and women in the neurotypical population are far more likely to be sexually victimised than boys or men. Neurodivergent women face intimate partner violence at higher rates still (Stone et al., 2022). Research has shown that autistic girls are nearly seven times more likely to be victims of physical child abuse, and both ADHD and autistic girls are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing childhood sexual abuse (Kinnear et al., 2018).

2. Early Puberty and Advanced Development
ADHD and autism can be associated with early or delayed puberty and development. Girls might enter puberty and become sexually active at an earlier age than their peers. This early development can create challenges in relating to others of the same age, leaving girls isolated. Early sexual development may increase vulnerability to the predatory behaviour of older people with bad intentions.

3. Sensory overwhelm and dissociation

Neurodivergent women have hypersensitive somatosensory systems, which can cause extreme sensitivity to pain, temperature changes, taste, and smell. Sensory overload can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, migraines, fainting, and dissociation. Abusive men who are unable to force you to submit may resort to violence or other degrading means, leading you to faint or black out.

4. Physical disability and visible vulnerability

Visible signs of vulnerability can attract abuse. According to the author of *Red Flags*, a prosecutor specialising in criminal sex offenses, predators are more likely to target people who appear vulnerable.

ADHD, autistic girls and women experience higher rates of eating disorders. Those with anorexia may appear physically weaker, making them easier to dominate. Additionally, ADHD and autistic girls frequently suffer from conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility, which can result in gait abnormalities. A study found that incarcerated psychopaths could identify former victims simply by observing their walking patterns (Book et al., 2013).

Neurodivergent girls facing high levels of peer rejection and bullying are often easily isolated. Traumatised neurodivergent women may inadvertently reveal their vulnerability by oversharing personal information, revealing a poor support network and enabling grooming. Girls and women are at a greater risk of being targeted if they appear alone.

B Psychological Risk Factors

5. Impulsivity, self-medication with alcohol and binge drinking

Research has shown ADHD is associated with a heightened risk of unplanned teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women. Impulsivity is a symptom of ADHD. While some researchers generalise that sexual impulsivity in men is equally applicable to ADHD women, emerging evidence suggests that impulsivity is gendered (e.g., Becker et al., 2007).

Several studies suggest that men generally exhibit higher levels of impulsivity compared to women, particularly in motor impulsivity. For instance, Bevilacqua et al. (2010) found that men are more prone to risky behaviours, such as substance abuse and violent acts, which are often linked to high impulsivity. Similarly, McHugh et al. (2013) reported that male adolescents are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, such as reckless driving, which is associated with impulsivity.

Rodent studies indicate that impulsive behaviors are moderated by testosterone (Baalen et al., 2009). While not all men are rapists, 9 out of 10 incarcerated sex offenders sex are male (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2013). Elevated testosterone levels have also been linked to the severity of sexual offenses among incarcerated male sex offenders (Dabbs & Morris, 1990).

Alcohol misuse is likely a mediator of both sexually impulsive behaviors and the risk of being victimised. Neurodivergent women report high levels of self-medication with alcohol and binge drinking, a coping mechanism that, when combined with hypersensitivity to substances and subsequent sedation, heightens the risk of being targeted for sexual assault.

It would be beneficial to survey neurodivergent women to explore the extent to which alcohol and other substances contribute to risky sexual behaviors, particularly unwanted or unprotected sex under the influence, and sexual assault. Additionally, whether there is a difference between sexual victimisation amongst adolescents and adult revictimisation.

6. Co-occurring CPTSD/BPD and Dissociation
ADHD and autistic women experience elevated rates of childhood abuse and relational trauma and will subsequently develop CPTSD, which is frequently misdiagnosed as BPD.

Research indicates that dissociation, a symptom associated with both BPD and CPTSD, mediates the relationship between childhood sexual assault and sexual revictimisation (Bockers et al., 2014; Krause-Utz et al., 2021; Zamar, 2018). Dissociation can hinder the processing and recall of trauma, leading people to be unaware that they have experienced sexual assault. This phenomenon is known as dissociative amnesia.

Simeon et al. (2001) found that dissociation could diminish the ability to recall traumatic experiences, making it harder for survivors to understand or acknowledge that they have been victimised. This lack of recognition increases the likelihood of re-victimisation as survivors may not have the cognitive and emotional tools to recognise abusive situations or act to prevent further harm.

7. Hyperempathy and Shared Trauma
My research with neurodivergent women showed that, contrary to common beliefs, neurodivergent women have higher levels of affective empathy compared to their peers. Hyper-empathetic traits have also been observed in women with CPTSD and BPD (Blunden et al., 2024; Greenberg, 2018; Hayward et al., 2024; Roberts, 2021).

Similarity bias suggests that people are more inclined to empathise with those who share similar traits. As a survivor of childhood trauma, you may feel compassion for men who have also experienced abuse as children. However, shared trauma can increase the likelihood of entering an abusive relationship, making survivors more susceptible to predatory people who feign empathy and play the victim to gain trust.

8. Rejection Sensitivity and People-Pleasing (Fawning)

Neurodivergent women often report high levels of rejection sensitivity and a tendency toward people-pleasing, also known as the fawn response to trauma (e.g., Herman, 2015). Those who frequently please others may struggle to assert and maintain personal boundaries. This fawn response can make it easier for men to violate or push boundaries, making neurodivergent women more vulnerable to sexual coercion.

9. Mutism and catatonia (freezing)
Research on trauma response indicates that women often experience both the freeze and fawn responses when subjected to rape. Catatonia is a mental state characterised by difficulties in movement, communication, and responsiveness to the environment. It is more commonly associated with schizophrenia, autism, and PTSD.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a catatonic individual may appear to be “doing as they are told or directed without question.” Autistic women, in particular, may also struggle to communicate or may experience mutism when distressed. This can lead to wrongful victim-blaming, which can then be internalised as self-blame.

10. Co-occurring intellectual disability and difficulties reading people
Contrary to the theories of Simon Baron-Cohen, who alleges that autistic people have difficulties with reading people or “theory of mind”. Autistic women in my research *without an intellectual disability*, did not report difficulties with reading the behaviours, feelings and intentions of others. Cognitive empathy or theory of mind is modulated by intelligence - hence why intelligent psychopaths like Jimmy Savile are so good at manipulating people. Autism is correlated with intellectual giftedness.

Neurodivergent women without an intellectual disability do report difficulties with identifying dishonesty and manipulation, being exploited and taken advantage of, discerning between humour, friendliness and cruelty, fear of being victimised and hypervigilance. This is likely due to being disproportionately targeted by dark personalities. Superficial glib and charm, deceit, manipulation, exploitation, sadism and humiliation, violating boundaries, promiscuity and sexual impulsivity are traits of an abuser.

Our subsequent distrust, suspicion of others, and tendency to assume the worst in people, has been described as a deficit in theory of mind labelled “hypermentalising” by Cohen. Hypermentalising has been linked with BPD and social anxiety disorder. Both are common misdiagnoses for female autism. This is better explained by “hyper vigilance” which is a symptom of CPTSD and transference. Hypervigilance is a heightened state of awareness and watchfulness for signs of threat.

C Relational Risk Factors

11. Intergenerational Trauma in Neurodivergent Families
ADHD and autistic children face a significantly higher risk of experiencing child abuse and neglect (Stern et al., 2018; Smith & Hinsaw, 2019). In my research, half of the women and non-binary people reported experiencing some form of childhood abuse. Child abuse is a known risk factor for adult revictimisation.

Twin studies indicate that ADHD and autism are up to 90% heritable (Faraone & Larson, 2019; Sandin et al., 2019). Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the parents of these children are more likely also to be ADHD or autistic. However, it is crucial to emphasise that ADHD and autism alone are not risk factors for perpetrating child abuse. Abuse is learned behaviour, and a significant majority of abusive people are former victims themselves. The real risk is intergenerational trauma in neurodivergent families.

12. Juvenile Sexual Offending – ADHD and Co-occurring Conduct Disorder in Boys
The combination of ADHD and co-occurring conduct disorder is a criminogenic risk factor. Around one-third of ADHD children will develop conduct disorder, which is more prevalent in boys (Mohan et al., 2023). Conduct disorder has been linked to risky sexual behaviour (Holliday et al., 2018), and studies show that 51% of juvenile sex offenders have conduct disorder (Boonmann et al., 2015). Callous-unemotional traits, more common in ADHD and autistic boys, predict the development of conduct disorder (Jezior et al., 2016).

In contrast to common beliefs, girls who experience childhood sexual abuse are most frequently victimised by siblings rather than parents (Yate & Allardyce, 2023). This topic remains under-researched and taboo. This puts ADHD and autistic girls at heightened risk. Given the heritability of ADHD and autism, it is likely that the sibling involved may also be neurodivergent and may have co-occurring conduct disorder.

13. Assortative mating - male ADHD and co-occurring NPD/ASPD
Approximately half of girls who experience sexual abuse or assault as children will face re-victimisation in adulthood, most commonly by an intimate partner (Walker et al., 2019). Research has shown that neurodivergent people are up to 10 times more likely to partner with someone who shares their neurotype, such as ADHD or autism, which unfortunately raises the risk of abusive relationships (Nordsletten et al., 2016). This phenomenon is called ‘assortative mating’ (Richards et al., 2020).

Among incarcerated sex offenders, around one-third exhibit Narcissistic Personality (NPD) and another third exhibit Antisocial Personality (ASPD) (Coid et al., 2009). Men are three times more likely to develop NPD or ASPD than women (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Additionally, callous-unemotional traits, which are more prevalent in ADHD and autistic men, have been associated with NPD, ASPD, and psychopathy (Blair, 2013; Dadds & Salmon, 2012).

Again it is important to note that the risk factor for sexual offending here is not ADHD or autism alone, and not all sex offenders will be ADHD or autistic. Physical aggression and sexual violence are predicted by a history of severe childhood abuse, callous-unemotional traits, conduct disorder, ASPD, NPD or psychopathy (Mann et al., 2017).

14. Familial abandonment and scapegoat abuse
Ninety percent of my research participants reported a deep fear of abandonment by friends, family members, and partners. This fear of abandonment is often associated with borderline (BPD). It is noteworthy that three times as many women are diagnosed with BPD. People with this BPD frequently report high levels of childhood sexual abuse and familial abandonment.

Scapegoating is a particularly insidious form of emotional abuse in which one person blames their victim for family dysfunction and isolates them from relational support. The acronym DARVO describes this cover-up strategy: "deny, attack, reverse the victim and offender." This tactic is shame-inducing for the victim.

People with dark personality traits are more likely to abandon children and partners, often doing so without a hint of remorse. They may then conduct a smear campaign to cover their abusive actions, soliciting others to discredit their victim by labeling them as "crazy," "delusional," or "emotionally unstable."

While many survivors may label this behavior as "gaslighting" and refer to it as "narcissistic abuse," it's important to note that a person can be narcissistic without being abusive, and not everyone with antisocial traits will commit sexual assault. For this reason, I will simply refer to this behavior as abuse.

Society is often quick to believe abusive people and engage in victim-blaming. Only 1% of sexual assault cases result in prosecution. Instead of recognising that neurodivergent girls and women are being sexually abused, many are misdiagnosed with BPD, leading to feelings of self-blame and shame.

BPD is a highly stigmatised diagnosis. Sexual abuse victims who are diagnosed with BPD may continue to receive little support or belief from friends, family, or professionals, which increases their risk of sexual re-victimisation. Social isolation attracts abuse.

D Socio-cultural Risk Factors

15. Intersectionality
That women of colour face higher rates of sexual violence is well-supported by literature. (Crenshaw, 1991). Research shows that racial minorities, particularly Black and Indigenous women, experience higher rates of sexual violence and intimate partner violence compared to white women (Crosby et al., 2018; Sanders-Phillips, 2009). The intersection of race and neurodivergence creates additional layers of vulnerability. Neurodivergent women of colour often face barriers to accessing support services due to systemic racism and ableism, which further increases their risk of victimisation (Mendez et al., 2021).

16. Gender and Sexuality Differences
ADHD and autistic people report higher rates of LGBTQ+ identification compared to the general population. Research indicates that neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as bisexual, lesbian, gay, or non-binary. Studies show that autistic people, particularly females, often experience fluidity in sexual orientation and explore their gender identity (Geist et al., 2021; Goin-Kochel et al., 2019).

Additionally, van Schalkwyk et al. (2020) found that neurodivergent people frequently identify as LGBTQ+ and may experience higher levels of gender dysphoria. However, these identities are associated with increased vulnerability to sexual violence, with groups identifying as minority genders or sexualities facing more significant risks. For instance, Stone et al. (2022) highlighted that neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of sexual victimisation compared to their heterosexual peers.

These vulnerabilities highlight the intersection of neurodivergence, gender identity, and sexual orientation, indicating heightened risks of discrimination and violence within these populations.

17. Poverty and Unemployment
ADHD and autism are linked to high rates of unemployment and poverty (Prasad et al., 2012; Helgesson, 2019). In the UK, only 22% of autistic people are employed, making them the most underemployed group, following those with intellectual disabilities. Approximately half of autistic people are estimated to have a co-occurring intellectual disability (National Autistic Society, 2020). Poverty increases the risk of violence, and women living in poverty are more likely to experience sexual victimisation (Chouliaras et al., 2019).

18. Homelessness
People experiencing homelessness are also more likely to be sexually victimised (Goodman et al., 2016). Neurodivergent women who flee abusive relationships or are abandoned by abusive parents are at high risk of homelessness. Research shows that high levels of ADHD and autistic traits are prevalent among homeless people (Churard et al., 2019; Estrin et al., 2016; Stone et al., 2022). A 2018 study by Jones et al. found that 35% of homeless women reported neurodevelopmental conditions.

19. Sex Work
Sex workers face a higher likelihood of sexual victimisation (Farley, 2004). Women make up 80–90% of sex workers, and those with abusive backgrounds may turn to sex work as a means of survival, whether to secure shelter or provide for themselves while on the streets. Additionally, a study found that 32% of sex workers had ADHD (Pandiyan & Kumar, 2021).

20. Incarceration
Incarcerated people are at a significant risk of sexual victimisation whilst in prison. Approximately 96% of prisoners are male, with only 4% female (Walmsley, 2020). The majority of the prison population is neurodivergent. Research indicates that 45% of the prison population has ADHD (Rosler et al., 2004), although this figure is believed to be underestimated.

Additionally, a significant portion of incarcerated people have Antisocial Personalities (ASPD) (Coid et al., 2006). Research has also shown that men are approximately three times more likely to have ASPD compared to women (Biederman et al., 2006). People with ASPD are highly likely to be ADHD. One small study found that 44% of male adults ADHD patients had ASPD, compared to 3–5% in the general population (Torgersen et al., 2006).

ADHD women can also develop ASPD. However, their offences are more likely to be non-violent, and they report higher levels of childhood sexual abuse (Algeria et al., 2014; Angstrom et al., 2024). ADHD is notably prevalent among female prisoners (Caron, & Lavoie, 2020). Female prisoners with ADHD experience increased risks of sexual victimisation (Caron et al., 2020; Goodman et al., 2016). A study by Adams et al. (2016) found that female ADHD prisoners often face trauma and re-victimisation in prison settings.

To end
A Call to action and female allyship on International Women's Day

While ADHD and autism alone are not direct causes of victimisation or perpetration of gendered violence, their intersection with other vulnerabilities increases the likelihood of abuse and adult re-victimisation. This risk is shaped by a range of biological, psychological, relational, and socio-cultural factors, such as low socioeconomic status, intergenerational trauma, assortative mating, co-occurring CPTSD, and neurodivergent traits. It is important we talk openly about these issues without shame or fear of stigma.

On this International Women’s Day, we must work together to recognise the heightened vulnerability of neurodivergent women and non-binary people, to gendered violence and sexual victimisation. It’s time for systemic change. We must push for better access to trauma-informed care, greater public education on neurodivergence and sexual violence, and more inclusive research that elevates the voices of neurodivergent survivors.

Today, let us commit to supporting and empowering neurodivergent women, ensuring they are not only heard but protected. By raising awareness, breaking barriers, and fostering safer communities, we can help end the cycle of violence. Together, let’s make the world a safer place for all women, regardless of their neurotype.

Educational resources

Where to get support as a survivor of gendered violence

Chayn supports those experiencing gender-based violence because we deserve the right to be free, and happy. Our resources will help you spot abuse, collect evidence, stay safe, get well and connect to local services.

If you are having a mental health crisis, please reach out to your GP. If you are suicidal, call emergency services or visit A&E. Wikipedia provides a list of suicide support lines.

How to identify intimate partner sexual violence

There is a lack of education about what constitutes sexual abuse in an intimate relationship, rates are likely underreported. The intimate partner sexual violence and power and control wheel is a free resource designed to help people in abusive relationships recognise that they are experiencing sexual abuse.

Before 1992, forced sexual activity within a marriage wasn't illegal. Today, nothing on this wheel is acceptable, and you should not tolerate any man who does this to you.

How to spot a manipulator

Red Flags, an excellent book written by criminal sexual offence prosecutor Wendy L. Patrick, will help you recognise the signs of a manipulator and make yourself less vulnerable to their charm.

About the author

Hello, I am Leanne. I am a late-diagnosed neurodivergent (woman!), Positive Psychology Coach, and the founder of More Human. More Human is on a mission to close the gender gap in ADHD and autism recognition and diagnosis, widen access to good support, and create equal opportunity.

More Human are launching the first strengths-based ADHD and autism self-identification service for ADHD and autism in adult women, non-binary and AFAB. Over the past several months, I have been working with what is now 267 neurodivergent women to conduct research into their lived experience, co-design, and test a breakthrough service. As a brave survivor diagnosed with CPTSD, I feel privileged to lead this work.

I need your help to keep going.

3 ways you can support my work and help me deliver this breakthrough service

1. Restack and reshare this post (it is free)

2. To support my research and writing, upgrade to become a paid subscriber

3. Book 1-1 positive psychology coaching with me - see my LinkedIn references. I’m awesome. (UK funding is available through Access to Work)

Thank you for your support.

Leanne.