Activists, academics and ambassadors gathered at the United Nations this month to underscore their commitment to empowering women and girls with autism.

The developmental disorder, which begins in childhood, is characterized by some degree of impaired social behaviour, communication and language.

While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.

Women and girls face specific challenges, but as we’ve been finding out for this edition of our Gender Focus podcast, the breakthroughs can be “breath-taking” when they receive the right kind of support.

Music credit: Success Focus by Felix Thoma, Omnistyles Music (BMI)