Parents of Girls
Girls with Asperger profiles have a unique set of challenges. They are greatly outnumbered by males within the autism world and often find themselves the lone girl in a group of boys. Likewise, they face difficulties in “girl world,” a place that demands a high level of social acumen. We offer assistance and support to parents who are guiding their daughters through these challenges.
Essential Resources:
Article: Asperger and Autism Spectrum–Women and Girls
Parent Coaching
Diagnosis and Disclosure
Education
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Listening to Autistic Voices
10/04/2022
Many parents and family members of newly diagnosed autistic individuals find themselves overwhelmed in a sea of information. A neuropsychologist might hand over a packet bulging with materials, or Googling “autism” will turn up thousands of sites. Finding accurate, helpful information isn’t... more
Emotional Regulation: Advice for Families
05/04/2021
Emotion Regulation is a concept you may have been introduced to when you discovered your family member was on the autism spectrum. The term may bring up memories of meltdowns, tantrums, irritability, withdrawn behavior, or stress. Witnessing our loved one experience intense emotions can be... more
Two Sibling Perspectives
01/06/2021
The following essays were contributed by two individuals sharing their experiences of having a sibling on the autism spectrum. Both authors wished to remain anonymous.
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Loving Ben
It would be difficult to talk about my brother Ben without mentioning... more
Sarah Hendrickx – Hiding in Plain Sight: Shining Light on Women with Asperger/Autism Profiles –…
Video
Sarah Hendrickx presents at the Asperger/Autism Network's conference, "Hiding in Plain Sight: Shining Light on Women with Asperger/Autism Profiles." March... more
Accentuate the Positive
07/06/2020
In our parent support groups and Community Connections conversations, AANE staff members are hearing a lot about families’ experiences during this COVID-19 stay-at-home period. As most parents are spending a lot more time than usual with their children, many are also getting to observe directly... more
Families are under unprecedented stress as they grapple with the impacts of school closures. Many are worried about what will happen with their child’s education when school resumes. For children with Asperger profiles who depend on the routine and structured environment at school, these times... more
Hiding in Plain Sight: In Our Own Words
Recommended Reading
Women with Asperger/Autism Profiles Share their Life Stories
These twenty stories were sent to AANE in preparation for the March conference regarding women on the Autism Spectrum. Six of these stories were presented at the conference itself; the rest are now being shared for the very first... more
Susan Shanfield wrote and presented this talk at AANE’s Celebration of Community on March 7, 2004.
Hi Everyone. What an amazing experience that we women and girls are gathered here together to celebrate our strengths and differences—and I think that we’re making history at the same time.... more
This webinar takes parents of girls through the common difficulties faced by girls with AS/ASD as they begin and move through puberty. These girls may be confused or upset by the changes taking places in their bodies. New hygiene routines can be made more difficult by sensory sensitivities. In... more
The Self-Discovery of One Aspie Woman
11/09/2016
I had always thought of myself as a sensitive and independent introvert who had found her way after an anxious and lonely childhood. When I hit 40 years old, something shifted – so many of my peers had reached the traditional milestones of marriage, children, home buying, etc., none of which I... more
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