Autism in Girls: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Supporting - Revisiting Season 1 Episode 10

Episode Description: In this special revisit of Episode 10 of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by co-host Nadine and special guest Alex Bond to discuss the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of autism in girls. Diagnosed with autism a year ago, Alex shares her journey alongside her daughter Ava’s diagnosis in 2019. Together, they delve into the distinct experiences of girls on the spectrum and the challenges around diagnosis, masking, and social expectations. This episode aims to raise awareness and understanding, offering insights that challenge common misconceptions.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Challenges of Diagnosing Autism in Girls: Nadine highlights how autism in girls often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present compared to boys. Girls may mask their traits or mimic others, leading professionals and parents to overlook key signs.

2. Alex’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Diagnosis: Alex shares the early signs she noticed in her daughter, Ava, and the difficulties she faced in getting her concerns taken seriously by her daughter’s school. She explains how Ava’s behaviours, initially seen as free-spirited and energetic, became more pronounced as she grew older.

3. The Impact of Masking and Misunderstandings: The conversation explores how many girls with autism develop masking behaviours to fit into social norms, often leading to burnout and mental health struggles. Alex candidly shares her own experience of masking and the emotional cost of trying to fit in, while Nadine expands on the friendship dynamics and vulnerabilities girls may face.

4. Alex’s Self-Discovery of Autism: Through her daughter’s journey, Alex began recognising similar traits in herself. She discusses how understanding autism in women and girls helped her make sense of her own experiences, such as her hyperfixation on subjects, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with social interactions.

5. Benefits of Diagnosis and Acceptance: Alex talks about the personal transformation that came with receiving a diagnosis in her 40s, including being kinder to herself and challenging long-held misconceptions about her abilities. She shares the value of Ava’s diagnosis in enabling school support and helping Ava to understand and accept herself.

6. Positives of Autism and Embracing Differences: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the unique strengths that come with autism, like hypervigilance and deep interests. Alex shares her special connection with the natural world and her passion for museum curation. The discussion also touches on the complexities of identity and gender in neurodiverse individuals.

Key Quotes:

• "When your expectations are up here, they're always going to fall short, and unfortunately, that's one of the problems they see in themselves." — Andy Baker
• "I'm not failing at this stuff, this stuff is harder for me than it is for other people. I'm not bad with people; I just don’t quite understand how to relax with people." — Alex Bond

Resources Mentioned:

• ABLE Training's free course on autism awareness and understanding in girls. https://hub.able-training.co.uk/courses/autism-women-girls/

Takeaway Message: This episode is an insightful exploration into the experiences of girls with autism and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It underscores the importance of awareness, understanding, and creating supportive environments where girls can thrive without feeling the need to mask their true selves.

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