Creating happy and positive educational experiences for females with Asperger's and autism

There has traditionally been a male bias when describing autism spectrum conditions (Hurley, 2014) and autism has often been considered a 'male' diagnosis, with roughly only one female being diagnosed to every four males... [ view full abstract ]

There has traditionally been a male bias when describing autism spectrum conditions (Hurley, 2014) and autism has often been considered a 'male' diagnosis, with roughly only one female being diagnosed to every four males (Gould & Ashton-Smith, 2011). Only recently has there been a greater focus on some of the differences in how autism spectrum conditions present in females compared to males (Hurley, 2014; Van Wijngaarden et al, 2014; Soloman et al, 2012; Gould & Aston-Smith, 2011; Attwood, 2007; Lawson, 2005).

We now know more about how to identify the differences in males and females on the autism spectrum but there remains a lack of resources available for educators aimed specifically at supporting females on the autism spectrum with their specific needs.

Victoria has published recent research into the school experience of young women with Asperger's and autism which found that many of the difficulties for those educated in mainstream settings were not necessarily due to difficulties with learning, but due to low self-esteem, relationships with others, anxieties about school and a lack of support with their mental wellbeing. These experiences often had long-lasting and serious consequences into adulthood, affecting education, employment and mental health.

This presentation proposes that much can be done to promote wellbeing, happiness and success for this group in educational settings. Victoria suggests practical strategies to use with students based on ideas from the field of positive psychology, and questions some of the existing limiting beliefs and practices of our current education system.

Victoria currently works as a senior advisory teacher, has a diagnosis of Asperger's and is author of 'Educating and supporting girls and young women with Asperger's and autism'.