Autistic Girls2023-06-29T20:07:45+00:00

Autistic Girls

Embracing Your Unique Journey as an Autistic Young Person

Welcome to a community that celebrates your uniqueness. Being an autistic young person means embarking on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. You possess incredible qualities and perspectives that set you apart from the crowd, but align you with a diverse and accepting community. This section aims to shed light on what it means to be autistic and provide you with insights, support, and encouragement as you navigate the world with confidence.

Autism manifests differently in every individual, and it often brings forth abilities, passionate interests and strengths that contribute to a diverse and vibrant world.

Being autistic means embracing your unique wiring, which allows you to see the world through a lens that others may not comprehend. You may possess heightened senses, a keen eye for detail, exceptional focus, and an intense passion for your interests. These attributes provide you with a powerful advantage, enabling you to think differently and perceive the world in extraordinary ways.

Navigating social interactions can sometimes be challenging for autistic young people, as the subtle nuances of communication may require more effort to understand. However, your unique perspective allows you to offer a fresh and authentic take on relationships. Your honesty, loyalty, and ability to deeply connect with others create meaningful connections that can enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Remember that being autistic doesn’t define you entirely; it’s just one part of your identity. Embracing who you are, seeking support when needed, and focusing on your strengths will empower you to overcome obstacles and build an environment around you that feels comfortable.

Throughout this journey, you will encounter a diverse community of autistic individuals, advocates, and allies who stand with you. Together, we celebrate your unique abilities, promote understanding and acceptance, and strive to create a world that embraces neurodiversity.

AGN Resources

What do we mean by Identity First Language?
For some years now, person first language has been taught as the ‘correct’ and respectful way to refer to people who are disabled. Thus, ‘people with disabilities’ rather than ‘disabled people’. This is often the way professionals are trained. However, some disabled communities now reject this terminology and prefer identity first language.

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reasonable adjustments that can be established in schools to make neurodivergent pupils’ school careers more equitable with their peers. All schools, employers, local authorities and shops or services like leisure centres have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
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Periods present challenges on many different levels. It is very important to recognise the complex interactions that periods can have for neurodivergent folk.

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Sleep problems are common among neurodivergent individuals, and there are many reasons for this.

One of the main factors could be a sleep disorder, such as Delayed Sleep Wake Disorder (DSWD), which is a type of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder. DSWD causes individuals to have a naturally delayed urge to sleep, making them fall asleep much later than others.

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Anxiety is a feeling that everyone experiences at points in their life. It is common to feel anxious when faced with a threat.

However, when this anxiety gets out of control and starts to impact on an individual’s day-to-day functioning, it may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder.

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Recommended books

The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic - Siena Castellon
The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods
So I’m Autistic
A Kind of Spark
Autism Identity and Me

Additional resources and information

Suggested video

#AGNConversations with Chloé Hayden

Related podcast 

From our blog

Useful links

Sleep advice for autistic teens
https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10145180/

National Autistic Society- Amazing things happen – Alexander Ameline’s film gives an uplifting introduction to autism for young non-autistic audiences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwRrVw-CRo

A Letter to Autistic Teens: Know What You Deserve
https://neuroclastic.com/a-letter-to-autistic-teens-know-what-you-deserve/

The Donaldson Trust – Walk in My Shoes
Created in partnership with 17 year old Erin Davidson, this animation aims to increase understanding of neurodiversity and reflects Erin’s experiences at the age of 14.

 

Helpful forms to download

Student / School Passport

A student passport can include the young person’s needs and worries and how teachers can assist them with these. Co-produced by the child or young person, their parents, and the school. The document is then kept centrally, to be available to all teachers and support staff.

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