The study, titled ‘Intersecting Needs: Neurodivergence, Gender, and Sexual Violence in Local Support Systems’, was undertaken by researchers at the University of Bedfordshire’s Safer Young Lives Research Centre (SYLRC) in collaboration with national women’s charity Advance and Kingston Council, and funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Despite growing awareness of neurodiversity, there remains limited understanding of how neurodivergent traits intersect with experiences of harm and abuse – and how young women and girls experience support. This research sought to address that gap through local mixed-methods study involving neurodivergent girls with lived experience in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames who had experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual exploitation.

Drawing on interviews with those with lived experience, alongside interviews with local professionals, a review of case files, service data, and national literature, the research offers insights into how support is experienced by young people and professionals, and where improvements may be needed. This is one of the first local studies in the UK to explore the intersection of neurodivergence, sexual exploitation, and service response from both young people’s and professionals’ perspectives.   

Professor Debra Allnock, Lead Author and Director of the Safer Young Lives Research Centre at the University, 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 practice-informed recommendations to improve support and service responsiveness. 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.”

The report identifies systemic barriers in how neurodivergent young women and girls are identified, supported, and safeguarded. It highlights that current service models often fail to recognise the ways neurodivergence can shape vulnerability and access to help, leading to missed opportunities for protection and recovery.

To address these gaps, the research team set out a number of recommendations including:

• Embedding trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware practice across services, with tailored training for professionals supporting girls and culturally diverse communities
• Prioritising long-term, relationship-based models of care, with inclusive referral pathways and pre- and post-diagnostic support
• Co-designing services with neurodivergent young women and girls, and providing culturally sensitive family resources
• Strengthening multi-agency partnerships and integrating neurodivergence awareness into safeguarding strategies.

Jess Trick, Head of Evidence & Insights at Advance, said: “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.”

Kavitha Ramakrishnan, Violence and Vulnerabilities Manager at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, added: “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.”