Together, these three leaders will explore why current autism diagnostic tools often fail women, how camouflaging and gendered expectations distort clinical judgment, and what must change in research, assessment, and practice. This timely and powerful conversation is essential for clinicians, educators, researchers, families, and autistic individuals seeking a fuller, more accurate understanding of the female autism experience.

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Presenters

Dr. Dana Phoenix Waters

Dana Phoenix Waters, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience as a clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate. She serves as Core Faculty and the Director of Student Success the APA-accredited PsyD program at Antioch University Seattle, where she teaches across quantitative and qualitative research methods, psychophysiology, group therapy, and supervises doctoral research.

Dr. Waters maintains an active private practice specializing in neurodivergent adults, complex trauma, LGBTQIA+, chronic pain, and integrated health care. She is the founder of The AWAKE Project, co-host of The NeuroMarvels Podcast, and a frequent speaker and author on neurodiversity, trauma, and social justice in psychology, including the books Bite-Sized Autism and Bite-Sized Autism 2: A Deeper Dive.

Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to neuroaffirming practice, interdisciplinary care, research mentorship, and systemic advocacy within psychology and higher education.

Dr. Gina Rippon

Professor Gina Rippon is Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University.

Her research has involved state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism. Her current research interests focus on the under-recognition of autism in women and girls, especially in neuroscience research. Her new book on this topic: The Lost Girls of Autism (UK)/Off the Spectrum (US) was released in April 2025. She also explores the use of neuroscience techniques to investigate social processes, especially those associated with the development of sex/gender differences in the human brain. She was a member of the Fawcett Society Commission on Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood, contributing to the report “Unlimited Potential”.

She is an outspoken critic of ’neurotrash’, the populist (mis)use of neuroscience research to (mis)represent our understanding of brain-behaviour links, particularly on the topic of sex/gender differences. Her book on such topics, ‘The Gendered Brain’, published by Bodley Head and Penguin Random House, came out in the UK in 2019. She is a member of the international NeuroGenderings network and has co-authored many papers on sex/gender neuroscience. She is a passionate supporter of initiatives to address the under-representation of women in all spheres of influence, especially science. Under the heading “Mind the Gender Gap”, she has offered a neuroscience-informed approach to diversity and inclusivity initiatives to a wide range of business and political organisations, including the UK’s Cabinet Office and the EU.

Dr. Kimberly Armstrong

Dr. Kimberly Armstrong is a clinical psychologist with academic appointments at UBC and SFU who recently spoke at the United Nations on the topic of mental health and autism. With research published in leading journals and specialized expertise working with neurodiverse individuals assigned female at birth and older adults, Dr. Armstrong brings a critical clinical lens to the conversation.

Dr. Armstrong has trained and worked across hospital, government, and academic systems in both Canada and the UK, and understands firsthand how current diagnostic frameworks fall short for women across the lifespan. 

Moderator

• Douglas Parsons - Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton

Scroll down below the video for links to resources.

Accessing autism resources can be a challenge, but it's easier when you have partners and allies by your side. Connect with other parents, caregivers, and professionals in the autism community to share information, advice, and support. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families.