How can we do better for our autistic women and girls

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An interesting dialogue on this amongst a group of ASD spectrum women:

http://www.blogher.com/how-can-we-do-be ... stic-girls

It's rarely seen in the media: autism amongst adult women.

It is seen as being primarily a disorder of young boys, with the exception of Asperger's, which is seen, unfortunately, as an affliction which causes such loneliness that young men act out in violent ways.

These adult women, and those who advocate for them, have to bring it out in the open. They have to tell their stories.

It has to trickle down into the consciousness of the general public.

Yes. Until the "re-sexing and re-ageing" of autism happens so that there is full acknowledgement of the female ASD population, the social personality of ASD itself will continue to be typecast in extreme stereotypically negative ways. Progress for ASD women to a state of full recognition and inclusion on the spectrum in the public and professional mind may well prove to be the elusive key that unlocks to door to progress for everyone on the spectrum. This is one but not the only reason that leads me to admire the Autistic Women's Network and the work they do.

Thanks for sharing this interesting discussion.

If it were boys who were "discovered" to have a disorder, I can bet that the onus would be on society to bring them the help they need.

B19, Thank you for sharing this discussion.

Another thank you for this.

I've added this to my bookmarked collection of the most useful articles to print out and show if and when there is someone I need to explain things to, who is starting from zero knowledge of the manifestations of autism.