Fewer girls are diagnosed as autistic and/or ADHD or they receive late diagnosis, Autism and/or ADHD are underdiagnosed in girls and they often also receive a late diagnosis. Girls may present differently and are more likely to be overlooked; there is underlying gender bias. Girls can be very adept at masking/camouflaging and Autism and/or ADHD in girls can also be more stigmatised. This can result in misdiagnosis, anxiety and mental health issues – particularly as girls enter secondary education.
Course Objectives: This course is designed to help parents and carers understand more about the particular challenges which autistic girls and/or those with ADHD can face and leave equipped with strategies and approaches to help celebrate and support them.
Course Content:
- What is ADHD and Autism
- Understanding girls with ADHD and Autism
- Key gender differences including the impact of hormones
- Masking/Camouflaging
- Additional characteristics of girls with ADHD and Autism including:
ADHD and risk-taking behaviourAutistic ThinkingPubertyFriendships and RelationshipsSocial Communication and InteractionRepetitive BehavioursEmotional Regulation
- Celebrating and how to support
Learning Outcomes:
- Explore the general characteristics of Autism and ADHD
- Understand gender difference and how Autism and ADHD may present differently in girls
- Understand masking and camouflaging and the impact it has
- Explore approaches and strategies to help, support and celebrate autistic girls and/or those with ADHD
