The Hidden 20% Undiagnosed Autism in Women: Masking, Misdiagnosis & The Cost of Being Missed
In part two of this conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism, Gina Rippon, rejoins Ben to focus on the women autism research left behind.
Picking up where part one ends, Gina traces how early brain science, diagnostic bias and cultural assumptions combined to hide autistic women in plain sight. She unpacks why autism was framed as a “male condition,” how masking became a survival strategy, and the real cost of decades of late or missed diagnosis.
They explore the neuroscience behind prediction and masking, the forgotten female figures in autism’s history, and why the language of “over-diagnosis” risks oversimplifying a much more complex history of under-recognition .
Gina also reflects on autistic bullying, and what meaningful change in diagnosis and research could look like next.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many autistic women are only being seen now - or why you still don’t feel seen - this conversation is for you. We hope it offers some clarity, context, and hope.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Gina Rippon’s Career in Autism & Neuroscience
02:00 The Brain Questions That Changed Autism Research
05:12 Autism & the Brain: Predictive Coding Explained
08:11 Why So Many Autistic Women Were Missed
09:09 The Forgotten Female Psychiatrist Who Identified Autism Decades Earlier
16:52 Autism Diagnosis Ratios: Female vs Male Explained
18:02 How Many Autistic Women Have We Missed? The “Overdiagnosis” Myth
24:02 Masking in Autistic Women: The Breakthrough Moment
29:30 The Reality of Bullying for Autistic Girls
31:18 The Cost of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women
35:59 Autism, Hormones & PMDD: What Research Still Lacks
37:00 Debunking the “Refrigerator Mother” Myth
40:15 What Neuroscience Tells Us About the Autistic Brain
44:11 Neurodivergent vs Neurodiversity: Why Language Matters
46:00 The Future of Autism Diagnosis in Women
47:54 What Gives Gina Rippon Hope
50:45 Gina Rippon’s Top Tips for Autistic Women
51:44 Gina’s Green Dot Badge
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
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Gina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/
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