EPISODE 51
The Vital Importance of Diagnosis of Autism in Girls and Women:
A Discussion with Zhara Astra
The Vital Importance of Diagnosis of Autism in Girls and Women:
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1. Zhara discusses the impact of not getting an accurate diagnosis of autism earlier in her life. What struck you about the challenges she faced in the school years not knowing that she was on the spectrum?
2. In her recent article in Scientific American, Zhara stated: “developing a more accurate diagnostic test for women is an issue of safety, as well as quality of life”. Why does she believe this, and do you know of specific circumstances for a person you know in which this is true? And if so, what what is the situation?
3. Zhara provides some recommendations for improving diagnosis, acknowledging mental health needs of women and providing appropriate support. What are the major takeaways that resonated with you about this discussion?
Featuring
ZHARA ASTRA
Zhara Astra is a screenwriter, producer, and an executive at Stone Village Television. She also is a professor at Arizona State University where she teaches a course she developed on “Understanding Neurodivergent Women”, with an emphasis on autism in women and girls. In her work around this subject, she explores the lack of understanding, as well as lack of proper diagnostics, for women on the autism spectrum and the damage this is doing to females across the globe. She also making a documentary series on the same subject. She states that “Getting my autism diagnosis completely changed the trajectory of my life, my work, and my life’s mission. I’ve found my calling to change the way neurodivergent women are viewed, diagnosed, treated, as well as how women view themselves.” Zhara is a former competitive surfer and a mother to two little boys, one who is on the autism spectrum.
Show Notes
Zhara Astra’s mission is to communicate the vital importance of early and accurate diagnosis of autism and neurodivergent conditions in girls and women. Drawing from her own experience as an autistic woman diagnosed in adulthood, as well as her knowledge of the research in this area, she argues for a different set of criteria for diagnosis in females. Zhara discusses the debilitating impact of not being diagnosed, some of which she experienced personally, as well as the how receiving a diagnosis can be so helpful for one’s mental health and for creating a self-determined life that can be lived authentically.