SOCIALIZATION FEATURES OF NEURODIVERGENT WOMEN

Abstract This scientific article provides a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the socialization patterns in neurodivergent women with ASD and ADHD. The relevance of the study is driven by the historically established "androcentric bias" in psychiatry, which has led to systemic underdiagnosis of the female neurodivergent phenotype and the neglect of the specific needs of this population. The paper examines in detail the evolution of diagnostic criteria, tracing the transition from early models focused exclusively on male samples to contemporary population-based studies that demonstrate a significant narrowing of the gender gap in the prevalence of ASD and ADHD. The author analyzes specific cognitive profiles, highlighting the paradox of context-dependent executive functions in women and their tendency toward the internalization of symptoms. Central to the publication is the investigation of social camouflaging. The mechanisms of assimilation, masking of autistic traits, and cognitive compensation for intuitive deficits are described in detail. Particular attention is paid to the critical risks to mental well-being resulting from prolonged camouflaging, including identity fragmentation, depression, and the specific state of "autistic burnout," characterized by the loss of basic adaptive skills. The article also highlights qualitative differences in female communication models, a preference for dyadic relationships, and the operation of the "double empathy problem" in interactions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of neurodivergent women to various forms of violence and abuse due to difficulties in recognizing the manipulative intentions of others. The conclusion substantiates the necessity of transitioning from a pathologizing paradigm to the concept of neurodiversity. The author concludes that there is an urgent need to develop gender-sensitive diagnostic tools and specialized socio-psychological support programs tailored to the unique biopsychosocial profile of neurodivergent women.