The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Raising a girl with ASD can be challenging as there are female-specific issues yet to be addressed including how ASDs present in females and the complications of girls’ friendships. Families of girls with ASDs may have a smaller support network due to the sex ratio of the disorder, and it can be hard for females with ASDs to make friendships with other girls. Our presentation will discuss: • Sex differences. • Strategies/resources for girls. • Our “girl talk” curriculum. Within the last few years, parents of girls with autism spectrum disorders have come to our clinic with important questions about their daughters related to growing up, symptom expression, friendships, mental health, and other challenges. One girl was in crisis because she had recently entered puberty, and was experiencing challenging mood changes associated with her menstrual cycle. Although highly intelligent, she had not yet been able to manage her period or physiological changes independently, and for this reason (and others) she was being teased by girls at school. This mother was desperate to know how best to help her daughter who was becoming more depressed every day, and what resources were available to address issues faced specifically by girls with ASDs as they grow up.
Despite the strong need for such resources, they are essentially non-existent. A review of the sparse research literature tells us that girls with ASDs are overlooked and separate sex analyses in studies are rarely conducted, yet there are differences in symptomatology, developmental trajectories, and how the disorder presents and is experienced by girls as compared to boys. Some of the issues that have been raised include differences in impairment and distribution of intellectual abilities, communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, developmental differences in social difficulties and differences in play behavior. These differences necessitate a distinct approach to assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and parenting.
Adolescence has been called the “second crisis” by families. Successful navigation of this challenging time can be difficult, and there are issues specific to girls with ASDs that are currently not being addressed, such as menstruation, puberty, safety, and the complications of girls' friendships. Additionally, because families of girls with ASDs have a smaller support network due to the sex ratio of the disorder, it can be hard for females with ASDs to make friendships with other girls, and for parents of daughters to feel supported.
In our work, we have learned how important it is for teens and parents to connect and learn from each other. We have also seen how damaging it can be when girls feel more isolated and rejected and begin to withdraw (emotional breakdowns and even hospitalization). Our program is unique to families and daughters in learning not only skills and strategies, but more importantly, a sense of validation and connection: you are not alone.
This presentation will discuss and educate attendees about:
·         The context of typical development, as many families of youth with ASDs are uncertain about what typical female adolescent development looks like, and what challenges youth with ASDs will face as they grow up.
·         Information, practical teaching and intervention strategies, and resources regarding topics specific to being a girl with ASD.
·         Underlying themes in addressing core issues of ASDs (e.g., cognition, communication, behavior, sensory sensitivities, social difficulties)
·         Personal experiences and suggestions from mothers, daughters, and women with ASDs
·         “Girls group”/“parent group” education and intervention curriculum we have developed and are currently evaluating
Specific topics will include:
·         Overview of the empirical literature on sex differences and ASDs
·         Social skills and friendships
·         Puberty and hygiene
·         Menstruation management
·         Healthy sexuality development
·         Mental health
·         Self-esteem and self-confidence
·         Media, fashion, and “fitting in”
·         Vulnerability and personal safety
·         Running groups for girls and their parents
Importantly, there is currently very little information available to families, therapists, or educators about best practices in intervention and education specific to females with ASD, outside of what is known about autism spectrum disorders in general. We hope to provide families and professionals who work with their daughters important information and tools for helping girls with autism spectrum disorders reach their full potential.

Learning Objectives: