Intersecting Needs - Neurodivergence, gender, and sexual violence in local support systems
- Debra Allnock(PI),
- Claire Soares(Project Member),
- Kavitha Ramakrishnan(CoI),
- Jessica Trick(CoI)
- ,
- ,
- ,
- Kingston upon Thames Borough Council,
- Advance Women's Charity
Project: Research
Project status
Finished
Description
This project examined how neurodivergent young women and girls, primarily those who are autistic or have ADHD, are supported in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames following experiences of sexual exploitation and abuse. The research was conducted in partnership with Kingston Council, the Safer Young Lives Research Centre, and the women’s charity Advance, and funded by the London Violence Reduction Unit.
Drawing on interviews with neurodivergent young women and girls, professional stakeholders across statutory and voluntary sectors, case file analysis, service surveys, and local administrative data, the study offers a comprehensive account of lived experiences, service responses, and systemic dynamics within local safeguarding systems.
The findings highlight the complex interplay between neurodivergence, trauma, and gender, demonstrating that neurodivergent young women and girls face heightened risks of exploitation while their needs are frequently misunderstood, overlooked, or misinterpreted within services. The study identifies significant structural and systemic barriers, including delayed or absent recognition of neurodivergence, fragmented service provision, short-term intervention models, and a lack of consistent, relationship-based support.
Despite these challenges, the research also identifies examples of promising practice, particularly where professionals adopt trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware, and relational approaches that prioritise trust, flexibility, and individualised support.
The report concludes with a series of evidence-informed recommendations aimed at strengthening local systems, including embedding trauma-informed and neurodivergence-aware practice, improving early identification and data capture, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and developing more inclusive, needs-led models of support. The findings are of relevance not only to Kingston but to wider safeguarding, social care, and youth service contexts.
Drawing on interviews with neurodivergent young women and girls, professional stakeholders across statutory and voluntary sectors, case file analysis, service surveys, and local administrative data, the study offers a comprehensive account of lived experiences, service responses, and systemic dynamics within local safeguarding systems.
The findings highlight the complex interplay between neurodivergence, trauma, and gender, demonstrating that neurodivergent young women and girls face heightened risks of exploitation while their needs are frequently misunderstood, overlooked, or misinterpreted within services. The study identifies significant structural and systemic barriers, including delayed or absent recognition of neurodivergence, fragmented service provision, short-term intervention models, and a lack of consistent, relationship-based support.
Despite these challenges, the research also identifies examples of promising practice, particularly where professionals adopt trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware, and relational approaches that prioritise trust, flexibility, and individualised support.
The report concludes with a series of evidence-informed recommendations aimed at strengthening local systems, including embedding trauma-informed and neurodivergence-aware practice, improving early identification and data capture, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and developing more inclusive, needs-led models of support. The findings are of relevance not only to Kingston but to wider safeguarding, social care, and youth service contexts.
Layman's description
his research looks at how well services support autistic young women and girls, and those with ADHD, after they have experienced sexual exploitation or abuse in Kingston.
By speaking directly with young women and girls, as well as professionals working in education, health, social care, and policing, the study shows that many young people do not get the support they need. Their needs are often missed, misunderstood, or noticed too late. Many described feeling unheard, blamed, or confused by services, and some found their experiences with police or mental health services distressing.
The study also found that neurodivergent young women and girls can be at higher risk of exploitation. This can be linked to difficulties with communication, social relationships, and past trauma, as well as feeling isolated or wanting to belong.
However, the research highlights that support can make a real difference when it is built on trust, consistency, and understanding. Young people valued professionals who listened, adapted their approach, and built strong relationships with them over time.
The report recommends that services improve training, work more closely together, recognise neurodivergence earlier, and provide more flexible, long-term support. It also stresses the importance of involving young people in designing services so that support better reflects their needs.
By speaking directly with young women and girls, as well as professionals working in education, health, social care, and policing, the study shows that many young people do not get the support they need. Their needs are often missed, misunderstood, or noticed too late. Many described feeling unheard, blamed, or confused by services, and some found their experiences with police or mental health services distressing.
The study also found that neurodivergent young women and girls can be at higher risk of exploitation. This can be linked to difficulties with communication, social relationships, and past trauma, as well as feeling isolated or wanting to belong.
However, the research highlights that support can make a real difference when it is built on trust, consistency, and understanding. Young people valued professionals who listened, adapted their approach, and built strong relationships with them over time.
The report recommends that services improve training, work more closely together, recognise neurodivergence earlier, and provide more flexible, long-term support. It also stresses the importance of involving young people in designing services so that support better reflects their needs.
Project Information
Project Type
ResearchProject Managed By
Project Collaborators
- External Project Lead
- Kingston upon Thames Borough Council
- Advance Women's Charity
Time Period
01/11/2024 – 31/05/2025Status
FinishedKey Findings
1. Neurodivergence is frequently under-recognised
Autism and ADHD in young women and girls are often identified late or not at all
Gender differences and masking contribute to underdiagnosis
Under-recording in service data limits effective planning and response
2. Neurodivergent young women and girls face heightened risks
Increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation and abuse
Intersections of neurodivergence, trauma, and gender amplify risk
Social isolation and desire for belonging are key contextual factors
3. Experiences of services are often inconsistent and harmful
Fragmented support across education, health, social care, and justice systems
Frequent staff changes undermine trust and continuity
Police and mental health services are often experienced as distressing or re-traumatising
4. Misunderstanding and mislabelling are common
Behaviours linked to neurodivergence are often interpreted as defiance or risk
Limited understanding of the overlap between trauma and neurodivergence
One-size-fits-all approaches fail to meet needs
5. Relationships and trust are central to effective support
Consistent, empathetic professionals enable engagement and disclosure
Relationship-based approaches are critical for neurodivergent young people
Short-term service models undermine impact
6. Communication and accessibility are key barriers
Lack of clear, accessible information leads to confusion and disengagement
Limited use of adapted communication methods (visual aids, pacing, structured sessions)
7. Positive practice is evident but not systematically embedded
Trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware approaches improve outcomes
Flexible, tailored interventions and advocacy are highly valued
Good practice is uneven and reliant on individual professionals
8. Structural and systemic barriers persist
Diagnostic delays and lack of post-diagnostic support
Poor transitions between services (especially at age 18)
Fragmented and siloed service systems
9. Intersectionality is insufficiently addressed
Gender, ethnicity, and cultural factors influence recognition and support
Cultural stigma and systemic bias contribute to unmet need
10. System-wide reform is required
Shift from diagnosis-led to needs-led models
Strengthen workforce training and service design
Improve data, collaboration, and inclusion of lived experience
Autism and ADHD in young women and girls are often identified late or not at all
Gender differences and masking contribute to underdiagnosis
Under-recording in service data limits effective planning and response
2. Neurodivergent young women and girls face heightened risks
Increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation and abuse
Intersections of neurodivergence, trauma, and gender amplify risk
Social isolation and desire for belonging are key contextual factors
3. Experiences of services are often inconsistent and harmful
Fragmented support across education, health, social care, and justice systems
Frequent staff changes undermine trust and continuity
Police and mental health services are often experienced as distressing or re-traumatising
4. Misunderstanding and mislabelling are common
Behaviours linked to neurodivergence are often interpreted as defiance or risk
Limited understanding of the overlap between trauma and neurodivergence
One-size-fits-all approaches fail to meet needs
5. Relationships and trust are central to effective support
Consistent, empathetic professionals enable engagement and disclosure
Relationship-based approaches are critical for neurodivergent young people
Short-term service models undermine impact
6. Communication and accessibility are key barriers
Lack of clear, accessible information leads to confusion and disengagement
Limited use of adapted communication methods (visual aids, pacing, structured sessions)
7. Positive practice is evident but not systematically embedded
Trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware approaches improve outcomes
Flexible, tailored interventions and advocacy are highly valued
Good practice is uneven and reliant on individual professionals
8. Structural and systemic barriers persist
Diagnostic delays and lack of post-diagnostic support
Poor transitions between services (especially at age 18)
Fragmented and siloed service systems
9. Intersectionality is insufficiently addressed
Gender, ethnicity, and cultural factors influence recognition and support
Cultural stigma and systemic bias contribute to unmet need
10. System-wide reform is required
Shift from diagnosis-led to needs-led models
Strengthen workforce training and service design
Improve data, collaboration, and inclusion of lived experience
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 Good Health and Well
SDG 5 Gender Equality