OCA Fall Conference 2026

Many clients make meaningful progress in therapy yet continue to feel that something important has been overlooked. This session explores why autism often goes unrecognized in women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), even after years of mental health treatment. Participants will learn how diagnostic bias, masking, and diagnostic overshadowing contribute to delayed identification and will leave with practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to improve recognition, referral, and treatment planning for late-diagnosed autistic adults.