Neurodivergence, Gender, and Sexual Violence report published

September 30, 2025

This ‘Intersecting Needs: Neurodivergence, Gender, and Sexual Violence in Local Support Systems’ report presents research findings exploring how autistic young women and girls, and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames can be better supported and protected from sexual violence and exploitation.

Funded by the London Violence Reduction Unit, the study was undertaken via a partnership between Kingston Council, the Safer Young Lives Research Centre at the University of Bedfordshire and the women’s charity Advance.

Neurodivergent young women and girls – particularly those with autism and ADHD – face heightened risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, yet their experiences are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked. This study sought to understand the local context of support in Kingston, identify gaps and strengths in service provision, and offer evidence-informed recommendations for improving outcomes.

Professor Debra Allnock, Lead Author and Director of the Safer Young Lives Research Centre, said:

“Neurodivergent young women and girls — particularly those with autism and ADHD — face distinct and often overlooked risks of sexual exploitation. This research shines a light on how their experiences are shaped not only by neurodivergence, but by systemic gaps in understanding, support, and service design. By centring their voices and the insights of professionals, we’ve identified practical, evidence-informed ways to improve outcomes. Our hope is that this report prompts meaningful change — ensuring that support is not only available, but inclusive, trauma-informed, and responsive to the realities of these young people’s lives.”

Kavitha Ramakrishnan, Violence and Vulnerabilities Manager at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, said:

“Kingston Council is proud to have collaborated on this vital study alongside the University of Bedfordshire and Advance. We’re grateful to the young women and girls who bravely shared their lived experiences for this report. Their voices have highlighted how neurodivergent individuals are often misunderstood or overlooked in current support systems. We are dedicated to working across all sectors to implement the recommendations and ensure better protection for every young person in our borough.”

Jess Trick, Head or Evidence & Insights at Advance, added:

“There remains a significant gap in research into the lived experiences of young women and girls who are frequently marginalised due to the lack of recognition and support for their diverse needs. This work is urgently needed to highlight the challenges they face and unmet needs that persist. By amplifying young women’s voices and highlighting examples of effective practice, this research offers a vital opportunity to inform and improve responses across sectors.”

Interviews with neurodivergent young women and girls with lived experience of sexual exploitation, alongside interviews with professionals across statutory and voluntary sectors were at the heart of this research.

Supporting Neurodiversity in Kingston research

Media enquiries

For more information, please contact Tracie Couper, Press Officer at Advance, at tracie.c@advancecharity.org.uk or on 0743 2700 287.

Notes

About Advance

- Advance’s vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, just and equal lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society. The charity works with women who experience domestic abuse to be safe and take control of their lives, and women who have committed crime or are at risk of offending to break the cycle.
- As well as providing direct support, Advance works with statutory services, government agencies and other women’s charities to ensure a holistic approach to the issues these women face.
- Women must be referred to Advance, via statutory services or the charity’s self-referral scheme. For more information about who Advance is able to support, please visit Get help
- For facts and statistics about domestic abuse and women in the criminal justice system, as well as Advance’s work, please visit Our impact