Funded by NHS and Compass Wellbeing
Autism in girls is chronically underdiagnosed and profoundly misunderstood. Assumptions about autism (which do not align with reality) preclude girls getting recognised and supported during key schooling years and from obtaining and sharing their diagnosis. The diagnosis process itself is logistically and emotionally fraught. Girls often feel isolated, as even when they access support, mainstream approaches are often ill-suited to their engagement.
We address these barriers and support girls to navigate a neurotypical world from an empowered position.
Our programme includes:
- One-to-one emotional support: helping girls understand the ramifications of their diagnosis and their unique strengths, exploring how they perceive the world and vice versa, social skills (making explicit the implicit ways of communication), support to build fulfilling relationships.
- Practical support – navigating obtaining diagnoses, referrals, educational psychologist consults.
- Advocacy to girls’ parents, schools and care teams.
- In school interventions: when assessments are needed, helping schools correctly view girls’ behaviour (eg. if unruly or atypical) as an ACS presentation.
- Employment support: Smoothing employment pathways where ASC creates complexity.
- Family/parental support.
- Mental health autism education programme delivered to schools, combating stigmas and clarifying misconceptions.