Behind Masking and Gender Bias Exploring the intersection of neurodiversity, gender, and disability rights
Date: Wednesday, 3 September
Time: 10.00-11.30 CET
Location: Zoom
The event will explore the intersection of neurodiversity, gender, and disability rights, with a particular focus on how ableism and gender bias affect the experiences of neurodivergent women and girls. Through expert insights and lived experiences, we aim to shed light on the barriers to diagnosis, support, and full participation in society – and how the Independent Living movement can help drive change.
*Accessibility:
Live captioning and International Sign interpretation will be provided. If you have any additional access needs, please contact secretariat@enil.eu.
Agenda
| 10 minutes | Welcome & Introduction Moderator: Antonella Candiago, ENIL Policy Officer & Gender Equality and Disability Rights Advocate – Welcome – Objectives of the webinar – Housekeeping notes |
| 15 minutes | The Link Between Neurodiversity, Ableism, and Disability Rights Speaker: Adela Santos Lavigne, ENIL Policy Coordinator & Independent Living Advocate Framing neurodiversity within the Independent Living movement How ableism and gender bias shape access to diagnosis and support |
| 20 minutes | Understanding ADHD and Autism in Women Speaker: Lora-Elly Vannieuwenhuysen, Member of Neurodiversity Belgium and Neurodivergent Artist – Presentation on how ADHD and autism present differently in women and girls – Late diagnosis, masking, and systemic gaps in understanding |
| 15 minutes | Lived Experience: A Personal Story Speaker: Sunna Dögg Ágústsdóttir, ENIL Member & Activist – A look into the journey of a neurodivergent woman navigating life, identity, and systems – Reflections on masking, stigma, and self-empowerment |
| 25 minutes | Questions & Open Discussion Q&A Space for participants to share experiences and ask questions |
| 5 minutes | Closing Remarks – Summary – Thank you and closing |