Girls and Autism

Understanding The Spectrum – A Comic Strip Explanation

Understanding Girls on the Spectrum by Prof. Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett

Girls and Autism: Flying Under the Radar 2016

“This guide aims to: - introduce the debate around autism and gender - identify key issues for girls with autism spectrum conditions - provide practical school-based support strategies."

Why Autism Goes Unseen in Girls – And How You Can Spot It Sarah-Jane Critchley

“……Like many autistic girls, she seems on the edge of things, rather than in the centre. She is struggling and yet you wouldn’t know it.  She is working so very hard to fit in, yet at a huge cost. She is overwhelmed and the effort is exhausting.”

Questionnaires - screening Girl’s on the Spectrum. Please note this is not for diagnosis –it is to understand and become aware of the subtleties of girls presenting with Autism.

“A free resource; the world’s first screener for the female presentation of autism spectrum conditions, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, February 2018.

A Young Girl’s Story

"It all started when I confided to one of my friends that I was autistic during our last year of elementary school. As a result, she started to teach me how to be a “normal” teenager girl……………”

Jessi C'Artoon: 'Girl in a mask' draws out school fears

“Jessi Crowther has autism and has for years drawn cartoons to express her hidden feelings. Following her recent move from primary to secondary education, she shared her drawings in the hope it would help other children.”

Social camouflaging in autism: Is it time to lose the mask? “Many autistic people feel obliged to pretend not to be autistic. They invest considerable effort daily in monitoring and modifying their behaviour to conform to conventions of non-autistic social behaviour. This phenomenon has come to be called ‘social camouflaging’, also referred to as ‘masking’, ‘compensation’ and ‘pretending to be normal……”

Camouflaging: Girls and Women with Autism

Anxiety and autism in the classroom

In this article, autism specialist and autistic adult Sarah Hendrickx discusses the topic of anxiety and autism in education. 

Learning to Accept my Moments of Jealousy by Madeleine Ryan

Anxiety and autism in the classroom

In this article, autism specialist and autistic adult Sarah Hendrickx discusses the topic of anxiety and autism in education. 

NHS Coping with anxiety - Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS ...

You Need To Know is our UK-wide campaign launched in 2010 to make good mental health for children with autism a reality.  85% High anxiety levels, 36% depression, 27% suicidal thoughts. Approx 70% experience mental health issues as adults. 

 Selective mutism is an anxiety-based disorder

A reluctant speaking and selective mutism resources pack. 

ASD and Girls - A guidebook for Teachers  Abby Lloyd (local author)

This book covers the concerns faced by girls with ASDs and their parents, from periods and puberty to friendships and fitting in.

Asperger's and Girls – 2006 by Tony Attwood  

A book describing the unique challenges of women and girls with Asperger’s Syndrome. 

Beating Anxiety: What Young People on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know by Davida Hartman

Can You see me? By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott

This book offers an autobiographical insight into autism, masking and PDA. 

Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues: A CBT Self-Help Guide to Understanding and Coping with Depression in Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett 

Girls and Autism 2019  This book provides crucial insight into autistic girls’ experiences, helping professionals to recognise, understand, support and teach them effectively.” 

The Girl with the Curly Hair  "I have all of these books and can honestly say they are the most clear, concise, visual, informative and easy to read guide books on Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) I have ever bought. " Parent of Girl with ASD

The Selective Mutism Resource Manual: 2nd addition 2016 

An up-to-date summary of literature and theory to deepen your understanding of selective mutism. A wealth of ideas on assessment and management in home, school and community settings so that its relevance extends far beyond clinical practice.  A huge range of printable online handouts and other resources. 

The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic - 2020

by Siena Castellon (Author), Temple Grandin (Foreword)