For centuries, women who didn’t conform were labelled, silenced, and controlled. They were called witches and burned at the stake.
They were institutionalised, diagnosed with “hysteria,” and told their emotions were a disease. They were branded as “crazy,” “too much,” “unstable,” or “broken.”
And today, for neurodivergent women – especially those with ADHD or autism – has the story changed much?
We’re still being mislabeled and misunderstood. We’re still being told to shapeshift, mask, and fit into a world that was never designed for us. This is evident in psychiatry, therapy, event spaces, learning methods, and in nearly every corner of our human relationships.
The History of “Crazy” & Its Silencing Power
The word “crazy” has always been a weapon. A way to control women who dared to step outside the lines.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, women who were independent, outspoken, non-conforming, or socially inconvenient were accused of witchcraft. These women’s social or spiritual authority triggered suspicion, leading to accusations that were a way of disciplining women, whose power threatened the order of the church, state, or community.
Their power was seen as a threat, so they were silenced – violently.
The Origin and Evolution of the Label: From “Hysteria” to BPD
Fast forward to the 19th century, and the rise of psychiatry gave us a new way to pathologise women. “Hysteria” became the catch-all diagnosis for any woman who expressed emotion, ambition, or dissatisfaction with her role in society.
And today? The labels have evolved, but the control remains. Neurodivergent women are often misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, or depression. We’re told we’re “too emotional,” “too sensitive,” or “too chaotic.” Our unique ways of thinking and being are treated as problems to be fixed, rather than gifts to be celebrated.
This isn’t just a medical issue – it’s a societal one. It’s the patriarchy, alive and well, telling women to stay small, stay quiet, and stay in line.
Why I Created the Neurodivergent Phoenix Convention
I created the Neurodivergent Phoenix Convention for every ADHD and AuDHD woman who has ever been called “crazy.” For every woman who has ever been silenced. For every woman who has burned herself out trying to fit into a world that doesn’t see her.
For every woman who has felt the weight of those labels and wondered if maybe, just maybe, they were true.
This event is a resurrection, where we transform from burnout to being seen in all of our parts – and accepted for them. It’s a space where we can gather, not as “broken” women, but as leaders, change-makers, and visionaries.
What Happens When We Gather
Picture this: 200 seats. A beautiful venue in central London. As the world rushes outside, we are together in a space we’ve been waiting for our whole lives. Neurodivergent women. Leaders. Allies. Change-makers. We sit in a semi-circle formation, because this isn’t about hierarchy – it’s about connection and safety. The shape symbolises an open arm gesture, a bridge between our shared humanity, while also connected to something larger than ourselves.
I’m not there as an expert, but a woman who has lived parallel lives to you and truly champions your healing and growth. I’m there as a facilitator. An activator. A wild call back to the woman you were born to be. This is a space for transformation, from burnout to rebirth, from shame to self-trust, from masking to authenticity.
It’s not just an event – it’s a movement.
A moment in time where we come together to rewrite the narrative.
The Call to Rise & A Message to Allies
If you’ve ever felt like the world wasn’t built for you, you’re right.
But here’s the thing: we don’t need to fit into the world. We can build a new one. The Neurodivergent Phoenix Convention is a new event model built to support neurodivergent women.
To step into our power as neurodivergent women and lead from a place of authenticity and creativity. This is about creating a ripple effect. Because when neurodivergent women rise, we don’t just change our own lives – we change the world.
So, if you’ve ever been called “crazy,” this is your invitation to join us on 6th October 2025 in London. Your seat is waiting.
We are looking for allies and sponsors who stand by women’s empowerment to support our efforts to bring this event to life. Please get in touch with me at samantha@adhdgirls.co.uk.
Event Format: Live in-person gathering for neurodivergent women, visionaries and changemakers
Date & Time: 6.45 – 9.45 pm
Venue: St John’s Hyde Park, London
Seats: 200
Ticket Link: Neurodivergent Phoenix Convention
#NeurodivergentPhoenix #AuDHDWomen #ADHDWomen #ADHD #AuDHD #Neurodiversity
