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Our Autistic Girls

Supporting Autistic Girls

Autistic girls often have the desire to engage socially. They may participate in play, yet typically follow their peers’ lead. Initiating social contact might not come naturally to them, leading to a perception of being socially passive or peculiar. Despite a wish to forge friendships, they may struggle with the process of making friends, resulting in unhappiness and feelings of isolation. Challenges such as interpreting social cues, recognising facial expressions, and grasping social hierarchies can be daunting. Not comprehending the reasons for communication can lead to unexpected and confusing responses from others, which may cause difficulties in school and society at large.

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Girls on the autism spectrum often exhibit a rich imagination and, compared to boys with autism, they are relatively adept at pretend play.

They may immerse themselves in intricate fantasy worlds that are detailed and enduring. These fantasy worlds can become central to their play, with the girls discussing their creations in depth, sometimes blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

Special interests are common among autistic girls.

From a young age, these can encompass age-appropriate subjects like horses, animals, boy bands, or certain movies. What sets them apart is not the interest itself, but the intensity and duration of it. Unlike their peers who diversify their interests, girls with autism may not, leading to social developmental gaps.

Sensory sensitivities also contribute to the complex experiences of autistic girls.

They may have heightened sensitivity to loud sounds, bright lights, or physical touch; they might dislike wearing tight clothing or certain materials; or, conversely, they may prefer the sensation of tight clothing or need their hair pulled back tightly.

Food preferences can present challenges, with some girls willing to try only specific foods and textures.

Issues with eating or food intake control are notable traits, and research is ongoing into the prevalence of eating disorders among women and girls on the autism spectrum. Additionally, there is increasing evidence of a correlation between gender dysphoria and autism in girls.

Anxiety is prevalent among girls with autism.

The world can seem bewildering and erratic, leading them to seek extensive control over their environment and the people around them. This can manifest in highly ritualised behaviour, strict routines, and distress during unexpected changes.

Autistic girls often experience unique challenges and may present traits differently than autistic boys, which makes targeted support and provisions crucial. Here are just some of the reasons why provisions tailored for autistic girls are needed and the benefits they can offer:

Reasons and Benefits for Support