Redefining Autism Diagnosis: A Policy Framework for Autistic Girls/Women

Open
Feminine Intelligence Agency
New York, New York, United States
Employer
(51)
4
Project
Academic experience
300 hours of work total
Learner
Anywhere
Advanced level

Project scope

Categories
Gender studies Social work Public health Law and policy Social justice
Skills
infographics advocacy policy analysis early intervention accountability intelligence agency transcribing diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders autism spectrum disorders vulnerability
Details

The Feminine Intelligence Agency (FIA) has already sponsored research into how autism criteria are defined and how they fail to capture the lived experience of autistic girls and women—particularly how this leads to missed diagnoses and increased vulnerability to coercion and sexual assault. Building on this existing research, this project will:

  1. Map the Decision-Making Process: Identify the key players and committees (e.g., APA, DSM subcommittees, insurance lobbies) who shape diagnostic criteria and public messaging.
  2. Analyze Diagnostic Gaps and Biases: Show how the current DSM framework ignores autistic girls’ masking, trauma history, and vulnerability, and how it perpetuates a deficit model instead of a neurodivergent perspective.
  3. Conduct Interviews: Engage with key informants—such as clinicians, researchers, advocacy groups, and autistic women—to capture a 360-degree view of how these decisions are made and how they impact real lives. Transcribe and synthesize these interviews to inform the final report.
  4. Investigate Health Department Leverage Points: Explore how initiatives like the US Autism Registry could reinforce outdated deficit models or support a divergence-based approach.
  5. Propose Systemic Policy Changes: Develop actionable recommendations to shift from the deficit model to a neurodivergent framework, ensuring early interventions include social discernment skills that protect autistic girls from coercion.


Deliverables

Comprehensive Policy Report (50 pages): Incorporates data from interviews, existing research, and policy analysis.

Implementation Plan: Step-by-step strategies for advocacy and policy change.

Policy Brief: A concise, accessible summary of findings and recommendations.

Op-Ed Draft: Narrative to raise public awareness and demand accountability.

Visual Aids: Infographics and charts to demystify the DSM process and highlight real-world impacts.

Interview Recordings/Transcripts: Audio or video recordings of interviews (with consent), accompanied by clean transcripts and a synthesis of key insights.

Mentorship
Domain expertise and knowledge

Providing specialized, in-depth knowledge and general industry insights for a comprehensive understanding.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Sharing knowledge in specific technical skills, techniques, methodologies required for the project.

Hands-on support

Direct involvement in project tasks, offering guidance, and demonstrating techniques.

Tools and/or resources

Providing access to necessary tools, software, and resources required for project completion.

Regular meetings

Scheduled check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback.

Supported causes

The global challenges this project addresses, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more about all 17 SDGs here.

Gender equality

About the company

Company
New York, New York, United States
2 - 10 employees
Media & production, Non-profit, philanthropic & civil society
Representation
Minority-Owned Women-Owned BIPOC-Owned Small Business Social Enterprise
+ 3

FIA is developing tools and content for women to help spot powers moves and respond 10X more effectively, whether at work, in love, or with family members. By learning the skills of social discernment, you can keep your peace and your power when others try to throw you curveballs.