Autistic Women and Autistic Girls

In the past, it was assumed that autistic people were overwhelmingly men and boys, and only very rarely women and girls. This is wrong. There are many autistic women, girls and non-binary people who are autistic. Various studies suggest that the ratio of autistic males to females ranges from 2:1 to 16:1. The most-up-to-date estimate is 3:1. However in some areas of the country there are as many girls being diagnosed as boys. Many may not know they are autistic until they're adults. Secondly · girls are often diagnosed only if they showcase significant social differences. Researchers are concerned that females who are more mildly affected are being missed.

Women, girls and non binary people may be misdiagnosed with mental health issues or their autistic traits may be missed amid the symptoms of co-occurring conditions. Dr Camilla Pang, autistic scientist and author, explained: "I feel autistic women are more likely to be described as ‘anxious."

Our Webinar Includes..........

How Autism might present in girls/women/non binary people.

Why girls/women/non binary people are getting missed or misdiagnosed.

Autism and Masking/Autism Camouflage

Autism and Mental Health 

How to get a Diagnosis

The Female Autism Checklist

How to prevent girls/women/non binary people getting missed or misdiagnosed. 

How to support autistic girls/women/non binary people 

Autizma has long understood that Autistic women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed accurately. Throughout our history, we have championed the need for more awareness and identification of autism in women and girls. Autism Statistics (UK), July 2021 to June 2022 Publication, Part of Autism Waiting Time Statistics tells us that between July 2021 and June 2022, the number of patients with an open referral for suspected autism has increased from just over 88,000 to just over 122,000 people. Quite a staggering Increase!

Yet typically, women are still likely to be under-diagnosed, which can impact upon their quality of life. Without a diagnosis, certain autistic women, girls and non-binary people may never receive the treatment they deserve. That is why it’s important to discuss your concerns with your friends, family, and most importantly, individuals who specialise in autism. There is still a long way to go in ensuring that all Autistic women and those previously unidentified receive the visibility, understanding, and support they deserve. We hope this webinar provides you with the information to understand autistic women and girls to enable the best support possible.

Many Autistic adults are also navigating a mental health diagnosis, and may be at greater risk of experiencing ARFID, anorexia, OCD, PTSD, depression and anxiety. Autistic women and girls are no exception, and they can experience co-occurring mental health conditions as early as adolescence. Dr. Shana Nichols, author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, wrote “Females with ASD often develop ‘coping mechanisms’ that can cover up the intrinsic difficulties they experience.

Parenting

Autistic women and others who have a more internalized experience of autism may have unique experiences if they choose to become a parent. One Autistic woman stated that she has more vivid memories of her childhood than her peers and consequently is better able to relate with her child. Others, however, might need support with the many executive functioning tasks and sensory processing demands required of a parent. Seeking support from trusted family, friends, and professionals can help.

We hope to answer your questions during the end of the session, which will offer participants wishing to do so, an opportunity of 30 minutes question time. 

Resources are provided after the training. The training is suitable for parents and professionals and individuals who feel they would benefit or would like to share the new found knowledge about Autistic Girls, Women and Non-Binary People.

Working with guidance and good practice, all training is asset based and co-delivered by autistic trainers.

Autizma are committed to improving lives and enhancing service provision and we look forward to meeting with you soon!

Please don’t worry if you can’t attend registration gives you access to the Live Recording and post training resources.