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I AM AN ASPIE GIRL: A BOOK FOR YOUNG GIRLS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Danuta Bulhak-Paterson, Teresa Ferguson, Tony Attwood | 32 pages | 21 Apr 2015 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS | 9781849056342 | English | London, United Kingdom Asperger and Autism Spectrum: Women and Girls – The Asperger / Autism Network (AANE) Women with Asperger profiles are less likely to be diagnosed and more likely to be misdiagnosed for a number of reasons. While many professionals and advocates are working hard to change this reality, there is still a long way to go in terms of universal understanding and recognition of the unique gifts and challenges of Asperger women. While the core characteristics of an Asperger profile does not differ between genders, girls and women might demonstrate different outward reactions to the profile. While every girl and women with an Asperger profile is unique, many share certain experiences. Frequently, women with Asperger profiles, like neurodiverse men, have intense special interests; however, these special interests can follow different sets of themes. Historically, women have been less likely than men to be interested in transportation, computers, or astronomy, and more likely to be passionate about literature, the arts, animals, environmental activism, and other topics with relational themes. That said, when it comes to special interests, anything goes for both genders. There are no limits to the variety and depth of interests or expertise for both females and males with Asperger profiles. As always, these interests are ever-evolving with the times. While many people have fought long and hard to ensure universally accepted gender equality, boys and girls are still often socialized differently in our modern culture. In many places, women are still often expected to place more value on relationships than on hard-skills. Consequently, Asperger females may feel stigmatized in ways that are different than males. The gap between societal expectations and personal interests can be greater in females with Asperger profiles than in males with Asperger profiles because societal expectations for a strong social identity traditionally can be higher for females. Females may also have more difficulty in forming friendships because female relationships are frequently based on nuanced emotional and social exchanges, whereas male friendships have historically been more activity-based. However, how bullying manifests can tend to take on different characteristics based on gender. No matter how subtle or overt, exclusion and bullying can be profoundly traumatizing and affect the self-confidence and sense of security of the target individuals. Women with Asperger profiles can experience co-occurring mood disorders and often internalize feelings of frustration and failure. Starting in adolescence, they have high rates of depression and anxiety — 34 and 36 percent, respectively. A few studies have also found an compelling overlap between autism and eating disorders such as anorexia, although the studies are too small to estimate how many women have both. They may mimic their peers, watch from the sidelines, use their intellect to figure out the best ways to remain undetected, and they will study, practice, and learn appropriate approaches to social situations. Sounds easy enough, but in fact these strategies take a lot of work and can more often than not lead to exhaustion, withdrawal, anxiety, selective mutism, and depression. Shana Nichols. It is important to recognize that these diagnoses can sometimes obscure the strengths and struggles of women who have Asperger profiles. One study of children with developmental disabilities found rates of sexual abuse 1. Females with Asperger profiles may perceive their sexuality in varied ways. Due to the numerous taboos around discussion of sexuality among women, females with Asperger profiles rarely have forums for explicit conversation about this topic. Sensory sensitivities can be particularly challenging for females with Asperger profiles. Women with Autism Spectrum diagnoses are frequently put on medications with side effects that lead to reduced sexual arousal. This may lead to more Asperger women perceiving themselves as asexual. Despite their challenges, many women with Asperger profiles are very successful at parenting. Toggle navigation Books. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Reviews Author Contents Sometimes the best books are the shortest books. This book does not have many pages but the text is succinct and clearly and accurately describes the characteristics and experiences of girls who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Each illustration is worth a thousand words and will be perceived as engaging and enjoyable for young children, adolescents and adults. I recommend this short and insightful book to parents, teachers and colleagues as an easy-to-read explanation of ASC in girls, and to the girls themselves to explain their everyday thoughts, emotions and experiences to those who need to know. The afterword by Dr Tony Attwood will additionally help the adult readers of the book come to an even deeper awareness that can then lead the way for more meaningful discussion of ASD. Females with co-occurring disorders such as OCD, anorexia, or who are trauma survivors may need more specialists on their team. As more women and girls are receiving an ASD diagnosis, specialists are becoming more aware of the unique way females on the autism spectrum present and are developing new ways to help them thrive. Recognizing signs of autism in girls can happen earlier when parents are aware. Katherine G. Hobbs is a researcher and journalist for Autism Parenting Magazine dedicated to bringing awareness of resources to families affected by autism spectrum disorder. She lives in Florida where she teaches preschool and elementary-aged children of all abilities. Her passion for autism awareness began as a child in grade school with a dear friend. You can find her online at katherineghobbs. Great infoin this article, but another wonderful resource for families and individuals with Autism is a speech-language pathologist SLP. Hi, Brittney. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article. As a girl with ASD, this article is extremely accurate. I was luckily diagnosed as a child. All of the traits mentioned I can really relate to. This article describes the lengthy diagnostic journey of my daughter. That took me six years for professional to listen. Thankfully to the different therapies and a treatment program learning coping strategies she is doing great. Soon going to College. Thank you for sharing your story which we know will inspire lots of parents with children on the spectrum. I am a mother of 3 girls with ASD, my eldest with classic non-verbal Autism, my 19yr an extremely bright articulate mature girl with extreme anxiety, depression and eating disorder and Miss 13 a classic melting down tween with the social age of about 5yrs old! This article definitely depicts the struggles and achievements my younger 2 have experienced, and still are — how different yet so similar to those of my husband and son who also have ASD! The lack of diagnosis is a big thing, although with so much experience I identified the needs and deficits early. However, this did not stop my middle daughter from extreme depression and suicidal thoughts after she left school; and Miss 13 is struggling mightily with the social requirements of being a girl entering her teenage years. We are seeking physiatric assistance early for her in the hope of avoiding the holes her older sister fell into! A very well written article. Hi Ana! Thank you so much for sharing with us your experience and for your feedback to our article. My seven year old daughter has ASD with co-occurring disorder. Not many understand that there is a difference between male and female with this diagnosis. There needs to be more awareness. Again thank you for this. Hi Jessica! I really appreciate this article. She did not speak until she was almost five. She has all of the signs of issues with communication and expressing her feelings. She was recently diagnosed with dyslexia after being told for years that cognitively she was fine. Being a social worker who has been trained in the DSM and childhood development, I am saddened that this article has helped me more than the school and other professionals. Thank you for making me feel like I actually know what I am talking about. Thank you for the wonderful comment, Stevi. If you find any article you love, feel free to share them across your social media pages. Simply click on the share buttons at the bottom of the article titles. Enjoy reading! I suspected something the first time when she was just 2 years old, but since then everybody kept telling me she was just a super intelligent but with a really bad character girl. Still… this article finally gave me the information I was missing: autism for girls is different! And she is finally learning to know herself, and to manage her difference, and to explain herself. And I have back my real daughter, and even if crushed by the sudden reality of the nightmare she went through during her childhood I finally have a key to understand and help her, and I can see her smiling again. Thanks thanks thanks thanks. Hello Paola! We are so glad to hear that your daughter is now getting better. You are a wonderful mom. I am an Aspie Girl - My Diffability Australia By simply, clearly and positively explaining the social differences associated with Asperger's Syndrome, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, in young girls, this book will help Aspie Girls aged 5 years and over to understand their diagnosis, recognise their unique strengths and celebrate their differences, and find ways of coping with difficulties. This positive and celebratory book also contains helpful discussion points for parents and professionals to explore further with the girls in their care.