Resources

This page is a curated library of evidence-based medical/clinical resources, peer support and advocacy organizations, and practical directories (therapy, accommodations, adult life). It’s updated periodically as better sources emerge.

Note: This is informational and not medical advice. If you’re in immediate danger or at risk for self-harm, call your local emergency number or (US) 988.

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

1. Evidence-based autism overviews
   
   • NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health): Autism Spectrum Disorder overview (plain-language and medically grounded).
   • CDC: Clinical testing and diagnosis (DSM-5 criteria overview + diagnostic process).
   • CDC: Screening overview 1 / Screening overview 2 (why diagnosis is behavioral/developmental, not a blood test).
   • HHS (U.S. government): Autism information hub.
2. Autistic women + marginalized genders: research “starter library.”
   
   The below are widely cited, field-shaping papers on why autistic women and other marginalized genders are often missed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life, especially when masking/camouflaging is involved.
   
   • Sex/gender differences & autism (1) and (2) (framework + diagnostic disparity discussion) – Lai et al., 2015.
   • Late-diagnosed women + “female autism phenotype” qualitative study – Bargiela et al., 2016.
   • Camouflaging measure (CAT-Q) development/validation – Hull et al., 2019.
   • Camouflaging systematic review – Cook et al., 2021.
   • Camouflaging review focused on females – Tubío-Fungueiriño et al., 2021.
   • Women & ASD: diagnosis/treatment review – Green et al., 2019.
   • Autistic burnout definition (lived-experience-informed research) – Raymaker et al., 2020.
   • Suicidality risk markers in autistic adults (includes camouflaging + unmet support needs) – Cassidy et al., 2018.
   • Late/missed/misdiagnosed overlaps (example: borderline personality as a factor) – McQuaid et al., 2024.
   • Recent narrative review: diagnostic challenges in adult women – Dolfi et al., 2025.
3. Research Databases
   
   • PubMed (NIH): the go-to database for biomedical research.
   • Google Scholar: broader (includes psychology, education, theses, etc.).
   • Cochrane Library: gold-standard systemic reviews.
   • ClinicalTrials.gov: find ongoing/completed autism clinical trials and review outcomes.
4. Community, advocacy, and peer support
   
   • Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN): community + resources centered on marginalized genders.
   • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): disability-rights advocate “run by and for Autistic people.”
   • AANE (Asperger/Autism Network): online support groups + workshops for Autistic adults.
   • Autism Society of America: national hub + helpline and resource navigation.
   • National Autistic Society (UK): extensive practical guides (adult life, support, burnout, etc.).
5. Finding neurodiversity-affirming therapy and support
   
   Directories vary in vetting and quality, so I recommend using directories as a shortlist tool, then asking providers direct questions (neurodiversity-affirming approach, autism in adults, trauma-informed care, experience with Autistic women/AuDHD, etc.).
   
   • Neurodivergent Therapists Directory (ND Therapists) (includes state lists).
   • Therapist Neurodiversity Collective (directory of neurodiversity-affirming therapists).
   • Thriving Neurodivergent Practitioner Directory (led by/for neurodivergent persons).
   • Inclusive Therapists (neurodivergence filter available).
   • Psychology Today (autism filter) – broad directory; quality depends on the individual provider.
6. Autism research community (for keeping up with new science)
   
   • INSAR (International Society for Autism Research): major research society + annual meeting (IMFAR/INSAR meeting).
7. Crisis and immediate support (US)
   
   • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text/chat): 988 (US).
     If you’re outside the US, look up your country’s crisis line or go-to emergency service.