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Being Believed
Autistic and neurodivergent women are dismissed in medical settings at a maddening rate — told it's anxiety, stress, or 'in your head,' or misdiagnosed for years. Being calm, articulate, and good at masking can actually work against you in that room. None of that is your failure. This helps you walk in prepared to be taken seriously. (Pairs with 'The Body Audit.')
Where I've been dismissed
Times I wasn't believed or was brushed off — and what it's cost me
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Prep before I go
Bring with me
- A written list of symptoms with a rough timeline
- Specific examples, not just 'I feel off'
- One clear question or ask for this visit
- A support person, if that helps me hold my ground
In the room
Plain, firm scripts for the moment. Make them yours.
Example: 'I need this taken seriously.' • 'What else could this be?' • 'I'd like it noted in my record that I raised this.'
My words for being heard
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If I'm still not heard
My next move (ask for it in writing, request a second opinion, bring an advocate, change providers)
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Taking up space is allowed: Being a composed, masking woman shouldn't cost you good care — when it does, that's the system failing, not you. You're allowed to be persistent, ask again, and insist on being heard.
Go deeper
Ready for more? These lessons pick up where this worksheet leaves off.
- Being Believed, from The Autistic Woman. Why autistic women get dismissed in medical rooms — diagnostic overshadowing, the 'looks fine' gap — and how to prepare, advocate, and be believed.
- Women, Hormones, and Neurodivergence, from The Neurodivergent Brain. Why autistic women are missed — the internalized, camouflaged presentation and how hormones shape it.
- The Body, from The Neurodivergent Brain. The physical side of neurodivergence: interoception, co-occurring conditions (EDS/hypermobility, POTS, gut, sleep), and sensory sensitivity.