Co-creating mental health care from the ground up with autistic, AuDHD, and ADHD women

Masking involves social mimicry and emotional suppression, which autistic, AuDHD and ADHD (A3) women engage in higher levels due to societal expectations that place greater pressure on them to conform to social norms. This results in misdiagnosis, late autism diagnosis, ineffective treatment, and negative mental health impacts. As such, this study aims to develop educational resources for mental health care providers and A3 women. Research questions are: (1) What are A3 women’s experiences with mental health care? (2) What are their recommendations? (3) How can this inform a new therapy modality for A3 women? (4) How can this be translated into resources for clinicians and A3 women? Applying a critical grounded theory methodology, research activities include interviews with A3 women, online content analysis, and textual analysis of current therapy modalities. KT includes the development of a modular therapy guide for clinicians and online resources for A3 women. Anticipated outcomes are a specialized evidence-based therapy modality, training for clinicians, and resources for A3 women. Potential impacts include increased awareness of A3 women’s experiences and mental health care that meets their needs.