When Girls Mask: What Caregivers Need to Know About Autism and ADHD

What happens when one question finally gets answered—and suddenly a hundred more appear? In this caregiver-to-caregiver conversation, Michelle speaks with Greer Jones, creator of The Unfinished Idea and founder of the Beautifully Wired Summit, about autism and ADHD in girls and women. Together, they explore why neurodivergence can be missed or misunderstood in girls, how masking can hide signs for years, and what caregivers may notice first—from after-school shutdowns and emotional overwhelm to intense interests, friendship changes, decision fatigue and burnout. Greer also shares what it can feel like to receive a diagnosis later in life, or to hear that your child is autistic or has ADHD. The relief, grief, confusion and new questions can all arrive at once. This episode offers practical, compassionate support for caregivers navigating: Autism and ADHD in girls and women The emotional load of caregiving Decision fatigue and daily overwhelm Body doubling and finding your people Supporting the caregiver’s nervous system Advocating in school meetings and hard appointments Seeing the whole child—not just the challenges Creating a more regulated home without expecting perfection Taking small, manageable steps after diagnosis Finding community without doing everything perfectly Greer explains how the Beautifully Wired Summit is designed as a gentle place to land. The free three-day online summit includes more than 20 speakers across the themes of understanding, supporting and celebrating autism and ADHD in girls and women. Sessions are available to watch free for 48 hours, with a private Facebook community for connection and support. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, exploring your own diagnosis, or supporting someone you love, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to navigate the maze alone. Chapters 00:08 — Understanding neurodivergence in girls and women 02:32 — Navigating the emotional load of caregiving 02:48 — Introduction to Greer Jones and the Beautifully Wired Summit Links Join the Beautifully Wired Summit: http://theunfinishedidea.com/bwsummit Greer Jones — The Unfinished Idea: Visit the summit link above to connect with Greer and explore her work. Free Gratitude Journal: https://jandbinspired.com/radiant-moments-gratitude-journal The 90 Second Reset Program: https://jandbinspired.com/90-second-reset-program Mission Statement for Caregivers: https://jandbinspired.com/jandboasis-mission-statement Oasis Signature Program: https://link.jandbinspired.com/widget/form/w3HKv1FKxfrYuaYhtEsg?notrack=true What to Say in Hard Appointments Workshop: https://jandbinspired.com/steadycare This episode is for education and support only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for individual assessment or professional care. #AutismInGirls #ADHDInWomen #NeurodivergentGirls #NeurodivergentWomen #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverStress #NeurodivergentKids #AutismParenting #ADHDParenting #CaregiverAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #SchoolAdvocacy #WomenWithADHD #AutismAwareness #NervousSystemReset Music by Iros Young (Via Uppbeat) Thanks for tuning in! Don't miss out on exclusive content and updates - follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram today!