The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Why should guys get all the attention? Women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face unique challenges and young women face even more as they are often held up to the same standards as their non-autistic peers. From relationships to education to social skills to work, there are lots of obstacles. Women in our culture are faced with certain expectations. Women on the Autism spectrum are bombarded with these expectations and they can cause many problems for us. We are expected to internalize our difficulties and not let people know we need help, lest we appear weak. However if we do ask for help, often we are chastised because our autistic characteristics present different compared to our male peers leading other to believe we are more competent.

A greater difficulty is as a young woman on the autism spectrum because we are not children, but are not yet adults. Too often we fall between the cracks and do not always receive adequate supports to help us grow as individuals. We struggle more with the subtly of the world around us and get lost in the invisible messages being passed all around us. This opens the population up to many problems such as emotional disorders like depression or anxiety, self injurious behaviors such as eating disorders, and leaves us open to abusive or manipulative relationships.

It is difficult to grow up and perpetually be the “odd girl out”, so it is important to have a support network of girls who have been through some of the situations to prevent others from making the same mistakes. This presentation is by three young women on the spectrum who have all overcome adverse situations and continue to work towards their brighter futures. They have all experienced situations involving social interactions, education, work, and other instances where their Autism causes things to not go the same as their peers.

Acknowledging these difficulties is only one part of the problem. The next step is to educate people on how to support young women on the spectrum and empower the young women. Self-Advocacy and promoting self confidence in these girls in fundamental in creating strong Autistic women. The three women presenting are all young leaders in the community who have confidence in themselves and use their individual strengths to lead full lives. They have the ability to communicate what strategies have worked for them and what can work for others in this community.

The future of the disability community is a bright one and deserves a future filled with strong individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Although this presentation is reflective of the lives of females on the spectrum, it is also applicable for males and individuals who identify with different gender classifications. Everyone, including parents and professionals, can benefit from this presentation and the messages it promotes.

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