Estelle Prinsloo (39), from South Africa, is pursuing a clinical psychology MA degree at the University of Cape Town. In 2024, she will complete the clinical training component of her degree. Estelle was diagnosed with ADHD and a hearing impairment as an adult, which inspired her to study psychology. She is passionate about helping neurodiverse people, especially people assigned female at birth (AFAB), access the services and support that she missed out on as a child.

Estelle’s dissertation research is on the perceptions of camouflaging by AFAB university students with ADHD and the camouflaging strategies they use to appear, or pass, as neurotypical. This research is important because ADHD often has a more internalised presentation in AFAB people, which results in the condition being under- and misdiagnosed in this population group. Undiagnosed ADHD has several negative psychosocial outcomes that disproportionately affect AFAB people.

Estelle plans to use her research findings—and her expertise as a clinical psychologist—to change the narrative around neurodiversity more broadly and ADHD specifically. She also plans to educate parents, teachers, and primary healthcare workers about the presentation of neurodiversity in AFAB people through training workshops and online advocacy work. Prior to pursuing a career in psychology, Estelle studied politics and worked in academia, gaining experience in research, editing, event planning, and social media management. She is a qualified psychometrist and former board chairperson of Lifeline Johannesburg—a nonprofit counselling organization.