As a part of the Girls and Autism launch we would like to offer
30 signed copies of ‘Girls and Autism: Educational, Social and Personal Perspectives’
signed by Prof Barry Carpenter for $62.99
Hurry it is a first in first served offer!
Autism and Gender – Shedding Light on the Lost Girls
Special needs advocate and author of the Australian best-selling book Girls and Autism, Professor Barry Carpenter, has been on a whirlwind tour of Australia and New Zealand promoting his ground-breaking work. This past month Prof Carpenter attended the QASEL, SEPLA and the ISEL conferences, speaking to rooms so packed people were standing in the isles to listen.
His insightful presentations included topics on the debate around autism and gender, identifying issues for girls with autism, providing practical school-based support strategies and sharing family, professional and academic perspectives.
Where are the ‘lost girls’ with Autism?
Due to diagnostic overshadowing, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or lack of diagnosis many girls and woman go untreated for ASD and it isn’t until a secondary mental health issue presents itself that they then receive a diagnosis, often after years of mimicking, camouflaging and extreme anxiety.
‘Often thought of as a predominantly ‘male’ disorder, autism has long gone unidentified, unnoticed and unsupported in girls – sometimes with devastating consequences for their social and mental well-being. As current research reveals a much more balanced male-to-female ratio in autism, this book provides crucial insight into autistic girls’ experiences, helping professionals to recognize, understand, support and teach them effectively.’
Professor Barry Carpenter
How to Support Girls on the Autism Spectrum
Understanding a diagnosis is the best way to support someone with autism spectrum disorder and the unique challenges they face.
• Sensory challenges may result in personal hygiene and daily grooming like hair washing and brushing teeth being neglected. Working with professionals like an occupational therapist can help set strategies in place to assist with these challenges.
• Identifying situations that lead to anxiety and planning coping mechanisms and teaching calming techniques will reduce stressful situations and possible meltdowns.
• Another challenge is the capacity to transfer learning from one situation to another, which may lead to repeated risky behaviours and an inability to know how to avoid a danger or risk. This is where introducing scripting strategies with a therapist may help.
• Parents can also follow these tips:
Overall, it has been a wonderful privilege to work with Professor Barry Carpenter in presenting his inspiring work to the world. His books have been met with both praise and gratitude.
‘This book provides an excellent combination of personal experience and current research to highlight the importance of understanding girls and women on the autism spectrum. Throughout the chapters the issues of importance that are presented over and over again are about the need to value strengths and individuality; develop relevant strategies; be flexible; and build supportive networks, including ‘true’ friends; to ensure autistic girls grow into strong and self-reliant young women who can be whatever they want to be. I would recommend this book to anyone teaching, working with, or supporting young autistic women, who wants to contribute to their future success.’
Dr Debra Costley
Associate Professor of Education, University of Nottingham, UK
Read Girls and Autism extract: A Mayor Hurdle; transition for girls with Autism
Get your copy here: Girls and Autism: Educational, Social and Personal Perspectives by Barry Carpenter CBE PhD, Francesca Happe PhD, Jo Egerton MA.
You may also be interested in our:
Professor Barry Carpenter Book Pack
