Leadership in IDD

 

Perspectives Commentary from the field

Unseen and Undiagnosed: Bridging the Autism Diagnostic Gap for Females   Coleen Vanderbeek, PsyD Licensed Professional Counselor Autism Spectrum Disorder Certified Specialist   As autism rates continue to rise, early identification in females remains a serious challenge in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Despite advancements in understanding autism spectrum disorder, current diagnostic tools still reflect predominantly male-centered criteria. As a result, females with the condition are under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life, thus missing a critical window for intervention that could greatly enhance their communication, learning, and social development outcomes.   Females on the spectrum often exhibit symptoms in subtler ways, including focused interests that align with social norms, or masking behaviors to make their challenges less visible. Such presentations are frequently misunderstood or dismissed by clinicians. To close this diagnostic gap, educators, pediatricians, and mental health professionals must be equipped to recognize the nuanced ways autism may present in females and consider gender differences during evaluation.   Raising awareness and utilizing appropriate screening practices are essential steps toward more equitable care. Early identification isn’t just about timely diagnosis, it’s about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive the support they need to thrive.

In Memoriam

H. Rutherford Turnbull, III, LLB, LLM, FAAIDD, President of the AAIDD Board 1985-1986 (1937-2025) Memorial video produced by Jerry Smith, MBA; narrated by William Gaventa, MDiv, FAAIDD; and shown at the 2025 AAIDD Annual Conference.

Notables  Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors.

Sharon Gomez, FAAIDD, Featured in IDD Health Matters Podcast: Supports and Services for People with IDD  Sharon Gomez shares her lifelong dedication to supporting individuals with IDD, tracing her journey from youth volunteerism to executive leadership roles. She discusses the impact of landmark legal cases like the Gary W. lawsuit on improving community-based care and highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare access for people with complex medical needs. In this podcast, she emphasizes the importance of properly trained healthcare professionals, the vital role of frontline staff, and the power of community in promoting equity and quality of life. The conversation also touches on the value of the AAIDD, professional growth within the field, and the human side of health advocacy. A new book published in June 2025 by AAIDD, Direct Support Workforce Solutions: A Guidebook of Strategies for Individual and Collective Action Towards Workforce Stability, was edited by Amy S. Hewitt, PhD, MSW, FAAIDD and Susan O’Nell. Chapter authors include the following.

Lynda Lahti Anderson, PhD, MPH Julie Bershadsky, PhD Valerie Bradley, MS, FAAIDD Tawara Goode, MA Sarah Hall, PhD, FAAIDD Dorothy Hiersteiner, MPP, FAAIDD Amy Hewitt, PhD, MSW, FAADD James Houseworth, PhD Barbara Kleist, MEd, JD, FAAIDD Julie Kramme, MA Carol Britton Laws, PhD, MSW, FAAIDD Seunghee Lee Joe Macbeth Colleen McLaughlin, MEd, FAAIDD Kelly Nye-Lengerman, PhD, MSW Susan O'Nell Sandra Pettingell, PhD Megan Sanders, MSW, MPP Jerry Smith, MBA Renáta Tichá, PhD, FAAIDD

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Produced by AAIDD, this monthly digest features the recent (first made available within last 3 months) and emergent (will be available within the next 4-6 weeks) work of AAIDD members only.  View the archive of the Leadership in IDD newsletter here.