Autism and gender: let's change our perspective!

By Julie Dachez, Doctor of Social Psychology and popular science writer.

Opening of the event by Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President of Education and University Life, disability advisor and gender equality officer.

Understanding autism differently

For more than ten years, Julie Dachez has been working to make knowledge about autism accessible by combining scientific research and real-life experiences, an approach that is the hallmark of her work. Diagnosed herself as an adult, she campaigns for a non-deficit, respectful, and fairer perception of autism, emphasizing the major role played by social norms in the difficulties encountered by autistic people.

Autism and gender: between invisibility and camouflage strategies

What if we finally changed the way we view autism?

After deconstructing persistent misconceptions, this conference sheds light on a subject that has been overlooked for too long: how autism manifests itself in women.

Drawing on recent research, sociological analyses, and insightful testimonials, the speaker reveals a side of autism that is often overlooked. She shows how gender norms cloud our understanding of this female profile, known as the female phenotype, leading to delays, errors, and misdiagnoses for many women.

It highlights a key mechanism: "camouflage." This strategy, which can be exhausting, is used by many to conform to social expectations and hide their differences. It is a costly adaptation, too often invisible, and one that can undermine mental health.

An opportunity to explore the drivers and levers that can be used to support affected women on a daily basis, including during certain periods of their lives (menstrual cycles, menopause).

This conference is part of the University of Montpellier's (UM) commitment to promoting a culture of inclusion, combating prejudice, and understanding neurodivergent experiences.

A moment of conviviality, in the presence of Julie Dachez, will bring the event to a close.

Conference accessible to people with reduced mobility and translated by interpreters in French Sign Language (LSF). For any other questions regarding the accessibility of the event, please contact the Handiversité service by email (add a link to rf.re1771941872illep1771941872tnomu1771941872@paci1771941872dnah1771941872).

Conference organized by the Handiversité and Quality of Life at Work (QVT) departments – Campus Life Directorate (DVC) of the University of Montpellier as part of the Multi-Year Disability Master Plan (SDPH) and the UM's Gender Equality Plan.

This event is part of the 10th edition of "Donner des Elles à l'UM" (Empowering Women at UM).