Girls and Women on the Autism Spectrum

Videos


Autism and Girls: What's the Difference?

An exploration of gender differences in autism spectrum disorder.

Researchers are discovering that there is a lot we don't understand when it comes to explaining the gender differences in autism spectrum disorder. This Third Thursday focuses on Autism and Girls: What's the Difference? We will hear from a young woman diagnosed at age 28 and the mother of an adolescent girl diagnosed at 5 about their experiences. We will also hear from an internationally known researcher, writer and presenter who will tell us about about the status of current research and what it means for parents, schools and service providers.

Autism and Girls - Resources (PDF)


Lending Library: Asperger's Autism and Girls

Asperger's, Autism and Girls

Attwood, Tony

This DVD offers the most comprehensive presentation yet of the characteristics and reasons why female Aspies fall under the radar in their diagnosis. Dr Attwood covers everything from their ability to camouflage and mimic social behaviours to hide their social confusion to ways their condition may be identified through their unique interests and behaviours. He contends their ability to hide their Asperger's affects the male/female ratio of Asperger's to 3 to 1, significantly greater than previous studies have shown. He also argues that girls with Asperger's often are misdiagnosed, resulting in their not getting the help they need for what is often typical of their condition; low self esteem, depression (often clinical depression); vulnerability to relationship predators or living in abusive relationships; unhealthy excessive weight loss or gain; or selective mutism, among other things. He focuses on their attributes and the importance of a diagnosis so they can understand the 'why' or who they are. With that, they can develop an appreciation of their differences, which are not less than their neurotypical peers - just different.

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Changing the Face of Autism: Autism in Females

This video was put together by Aspertypical, to give a voice to women on the spectrum and raise awareness of their unique profile.

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Rosie King: How Autism Freed Me to Be Myself

"People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny little box with a specific label," says 16-year-old Rosie King, who is bold, brash and autistic. She wants to know: Why is everyone so worried about being normal? Rosie shares her perspective on celebrating uniqueness and embracing autism spectrum disorder.

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