The Lost Girls of Autism: How Science Failed Autistic Women - and the New Research that's Changing the Story

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The history of autism is male. Nearly all the first studies focused on boys. The classic hallmarks of autism, such as avoiding eye contact, are heavily biased towards men. When autistic girls meet doctors, they are still misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, and even personality disorders. As millions of women discover they have the condition later in life, we are only now starting to get to grips with the problem. In this groundbreaking book, world-leading brain scientist Gina Rippon examines why neurodivergence in women has been systematically ignored and why girls have been denied the help and support they need. Raising huge questions about how boys and girls are socialized differently, Rippon reveals the fascinating science behind female neurodivergence and what it tells us about the medical establishment. Exploring the unique challenges faced by women who have lived undiagnosed for years, Rippon argues it is high time for society to recognize and embrace the full spectrum of autistic experience.

Reviews

Highly accessible . . . important -- The Observer on The Gendered Brain
Excellent . . . It will put weapons in the arsenal of those trying to tackle sexism -- The Sunday Times on The Gendered Brain
A treasure trove of information and good humour . . . thought-provoking -- Cordelia Fine, author of Testosterone Rex, on The Gendered Brain

Author Bio

Gina Rippon is Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Birmingham. Her research involves state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques, investigating how the brain interacts with its world. She is an outspoken critic of outdated gender stereotypes in the field, and is the author of The Gendered Brain.