Disclaimer– Many of these resources relate to the idea of a ‘female profile’ of autism. I have written a more detailed post exploring this topic. Ultimately it did not matter to me whether these traits were considered ‘female’; the usefulness came in being presented with a different autism profile than that I had been aware of previously. Where these resources are listed as being for women and girls, please note that I consider this to mean those who experience autism differently from the traditional ‘male’ stereotype presented, regardless of gender identity.
This post also contains some affiliate links. See disclaimer for full information.
The following is a list of resources I accessed pre-diagnosis that first made me suspect I may be autistic. They helped me consider all aspects of myself and my life experience, leading to me deciding to pursue an assessment. I also used these resources to help me prepare for the assessment.
1. Autism in Women and Girls – online training from the National Autistic Society
This was the resource that initially blew my mind made me suspect I was autistic.
I was working with autistic children at the time and seeing this training
offered for free, decided to complete it. Little did I know it would be like
watching my life story play out on the screen!
Though labelled “women and girls”, it aims to raise awareness of what it calls “more subtle characteristics of the autism spectrum”. It was developed in conjunction with autistic females and professionals and features include “exercises and scenario-based learning, reflective activities, short film clips”. I found hearing first-hand from autistic people very impactful.
Sadly, this training is no longer free of charge. It can be accessed here for £30 + VAT.
2. Samantha Craft’s “Females with Asperger’s Syndrome Unofficial Checklist”
A more cost-conscious starting point might be this free online checklist. Presented in a simple bulleted list, it presents a different profile of autism to the traditional autistic stereotype. Here, autistic traits are grouped into 10 different sections. I used this as a jumping-off point to further explore different sets of traits and whether I related to these.
Samantha was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and is also the parent of an autistic child. She states the list was created “in an effort to assist health professionals in recognizing Asperger’s Syndrome in females”. She has since published a book entitled “Everyday Aspergers – A Journey on the Autism Spectrum” in which she shares some of her own life experiences to illustrate these traits.
3. Tania Marshall’s working screening document detailing “unique characteristics and traits of adult women with Asperger Syndrome”
This is another checklist with traits separated into different categories. This list goes into further detail and covers more categories. It provides a more complete analysis of personal attributes (including cognitive, physical and emotional), potential co-existing conditions and impacts of and interaction with the external world.
Tania writes that this “is not a research-based formal assessment tool. It is a screening tool based on the many females I have worked with over the years. I have assessed, observed, diagnosed and worked with thousands of girls and women of all ages. This document is based on my clinical anecdotal evidence and research by other well-known professionals”.
4. Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age – Sarah Hendrickx, 2015
This book by Sarah Hendrickx – a well-known autistic writer and professional – considers autism throughout the lifespan. Each chapter explores a different age or stage of life. Sarah combines personal experiences of autistic adults (including her own) with research to highlight what the autistic experience may be for women and girls.
I read this book pre- and post-diagnosis and found myself reviewing my own life story as if seeing it through new eyes. It has also allowed me to consider those stages in life still to come and how to prepare for challenges ahead.
5. Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome – Rudy Simone, 2010
This book also combines research with personal experiences of the author and other autistic females. Chapters cover a range of themes including life stages and common experiences, autistic traits and functioning in different environments such as school and education.
Each chapter ends with advice for the autistic person and for parents (or others in a supporting role). It could assist as a guide to navigating life as an autistic person, or supporting someone to do so. As someone late-diagnosed, I found comfort in seeing myself in others. Being naïve, confused and easily led, I also wished I’d had access to this advice at a much younger age.
The podcast features two autistic friends – one recently diagnosed and the other diagnosed for over 7 years. They talk informally about a different topic each week and their own related experiences. These can sometimes be very different, highlighting the differing nature of what being autistic can be. They also have a closed Facebook group for listeners.
The initial draw for me to this podcast was that it was British! Sometimes I find a lot of information can be American and there can be cultural differences making it slightly harder to relate. However, you certainly don’t need to be British to find value in this great podcast.
Final remarks
Though it was unintentional, having written this post I realise all of the above resources were created mostly by autistic people and, if not, with them! I believe this is why they generated such strong feelings of connection and belonging within me and truly recommend accessing information from within the autistic community where possible.
If you have other resources that helped you, please share in the comments below.