Am I Neurodivergent? A Clear Self-Screening Guide for Women in India
Team Proactive for her

Team Proactive for her

Dec 13Mental Health

Am I Neurodivergent? A Clear Self-Screening Guide for Women in India

Quick Answer

If you have ever wondered why you think or feel differently, perhaps you are easily overstimulated, hyperfocused, or emotionally intense, you might be neurodivergent.

Many Indian women begin exploring this only in adulthood, often after years of being told they are “too sensitive” or “too distracted.”

At Proactive For Her, our psychiatrist-led neurodivergent test helps you understand your brain with accuracy and empathy, not judgment.

Online quizzes can be useful for self-reflection, but a professional neuropsychological test provides true clarity. Every assessment at Proactive For Her is conducted by licensed psychiatrists trained in adult ADHD and autism diagnosis in women. All consultations are confidential, women-led, and culturally sensitive.

What Does “Neurodivergent” Actually Mean?

“Neurodivergent” describes brains that process, learn, and experience the world differently. It includes conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and OCD, collectively known as neurodevelopmental disorders.

In simple terms, if you often think “my brain doesn’t work like everyone else’s,” you may be part of the neurodiverse community.

Examples include:

  • Needing silence to focus while others thrive in noise
  • Being able to hyperfocus for hours but forgetting small tasks
  • Finding social cues confusing or exhausting

Many Indian women relate to these experiences, yet few have been told this could be neurodivergence rather than anxiety or laziness. Neurodivergence is not a label. It is a framework that helps you understand your mind, not limit it.

Why This Conversation Matters for Women in India

Most neurodivergent women in India were never screened as children. Schools and families often rewarded “discipline” and “quietness,” unintentionally encouraging girls to hide their struggles.

ADHD and autism in women often appear differently than in men:

  • Women tend to mask symptoms to fit in
  • They overthink and overprepare
  • They internalize failures rather than act out

According to WHO India and NIMHANS, adult ADHD and autism remain severely underdiagnosed in women.

At Proactive For Her, our women-led psychiatrists use a trauma-informed and culturally aware approach to help women explore neurodiversity in India safely and without stigma.

Common Neurodivergent Traits in Women

If any of the following sound familiar, you may relate to neurodivergence:

  • Feeling easily overstimulated by noise, light, or touch
  • Hyperfixating on interests or hobbies
  • Forgetting routine tasks or deadlines
  • Struggling with transitions or unexpected changes
  • Experiencing emotional intensity or rejection sensitivity
  • Needing structure yet feeling restricted by it

These traits are not flaws. They are signs of your unique cognitive functioning of how your brain processes the world.

Many women who complete our neurodivergent assessment describe it as the first time they have felt truly understood.

Types of Neurodivergent Tests

1. Screening (Self-Assessment Tests)

Free online tools such as autism spectrum tests, ADHD tests for women, and cognitive functioning tests can help you begin reflecting on your patterns.

However, these are not diagnostic tools. They often overlook cultural, hormonal, and emotional factors that play a major role in how neurodivergence appears in women, particularly in India.

2. Diagnostic Assessments (Professional Testing)

A professional assessment provides accurate and validated results.

At Proactive For Her, psychiatrists specializing in neurodivergence conduct:

  • Clinical interviews covering your history, lifestyle, and symptoms
  • Neuropsychological testing assessing attention, memory, and executive function
  • Emotional and sensory profile evaluations

All assessments are personalized, confidential, and led by licensed experts to ensure you feel supported and respected.

What to Expect During a Neurodivergent Test

  1. Pre-consultation questionnaire to understand your background and symptom patterns
  2. One-on-one psychiatrist session to discuss your lived experiences
  3. Cognitive functioning tests, such as DIVA-5 for ADHD or AQ for autism
  4. Results review, where your psychiatrist explains your findings
  5. Follow-up therapy or coaching, helping you apply insights in daily life

Many women describe the process as validating and relieving.

“I finally understood why I struggle to focus or feel so deeply. It wasn’t my fault.”

Our testing process is structured, compassionate, and non-judgmental. You will never be rushed or labeled, only understood.

Benefits of Taking a Neurodivergent Test

Taking a neurodivergent test can transform the way you understand yourself:

  • Identify your true cognitive strengths and sensitivities
  • Replace self-criticism with self-awareness
  • Learn strategies for focus, emotion regulation, and communication
  • Feel validated and less alone

Life After Diagnosis: What Comes Next

Diagnosis is not an endpoint but a starting point for self-understanding.

Once identified, your psychiatrist and therapist can help you build a personalized plan that may include:

  • Therapy to unlearn masking and address emotional exhaustion
  • Medication, if required for ADHD, anxiety, or related concerns
  • Coaching for executive functioning and time management
  • Peer support groups to connect with other neurodivergent women

You are not alone in this journey.

Additional Resources:

  • NIMHANS Helpline
  • ADHD India Foundation
  • Neurodiversity India Network

When to See a Psychiatrist for Neurodivergence

If you have taken multiple online neurodivergent quizzes but still feel uncertain, it may be time for a professional evaluation.

You may benefit from a psychiatrist consultation if you often feel:

  • Chronically overwhelmed
  • Trapped in cycles of burnout
  • Unable to start or complete tasks
  • Emotionally drained from masking or pretending to “be normal”

At Proactive For Her, our psychiatrists conduct structured neuropsychological testing online or in person, designed specifically for women in India. No medication or labels are imposed, only clarity and understanding.

Why Choose Proactive For Her

  • India’s first women-led clinic offering psychiatrist-administered neurodivergent testing for adults
  • Assessments designed to recognize masking, hormonal patterns, and cultural conditioning
  • Multidisciplinary team of psychiatrist, therapist, and lifestyle coach
  • Over 400 women have completed assessments, reporting improved self-awareness and reduced stress
  • 100% confidential, trauma-informed consultations available both online and in person