Wren is a bright, creative, curious 6 1/2 year-old who experiences the world in her own special way. She notices things other kids might miss—like how the fluorescent lights in her classroom buzz, or the way her teacher's voice changes when she's having a tough day. Wren has a big heart and often knows when someone is sad, even when they're trying to hide it. She loves helping others feel better, though sometimes all those big feelings can be overwhelming for such a little person. Wren is the kind of child who prefers watching and listening before jumping into new activities. She might hang back during circle time until she understands exactly what's expected, but once she feels safe, she surprises everyone with thoughtful questions and creative ideas. She has very strong feelings about what's fair and what's not, and she's not afraid to speak up when something doesn't seem right. After busy days at school or birthday parties, Wren needs quiet time in her room to feel like herself again. She's not being antisocial; she just needs to recharge her batteries, like a phone that's been used all day. ​ Why Wren Hasn't Been Diagnosed ​ At 6 years old, Wren's unique neurological differences haven't been recognized by the adults in her life. Like nearly 80% of autistic girls, her traits are often misunderstood or overlooked entirely. Young girls with autism and ADHD frequently develop incredible coping strategies—they watch other children carefully and learn to copy social behaviors, even when those behaviors don't come naturally. To her parents and teachers, Wren seems like a sensitive, imaginative child who's perhaps a bit shy or "mature for her age." Her intense focus on topics she loves gets dismissed as normal childhood interests. When she covers her ears during fire drills or has meltdowns over scratchy sweaters, adults often see a child who's "just quirky" or "going through a phase." Her need for routine and predictability is viewed as being "well-behaved" rather than a neurological need for structure. The reality is that diagnostic tools and awareness have historically missed how autism and ADHD present in young girls. Their symptoms often turn inward—anxiety, perfectionism, and social mimicry—rather than the more obvious external behaviors typically associated with neurodivergence in boys. Without understanding why certain situations feel overwhelming or why her brain works differently, Wren continues navigating childhood without the support and understanding that early identification could provide. Her story reflects what many late-diagnosed autistic women remember from their own childhoods.