Girls with Autism: Reframing Our Thinking - Part 1 of 3
Autism is diagnosed far more often in boys than girls - but this disparity may reflect differences in recognition rather than true prevalence. Many Autistic girls do not fit traditional stereotypes of autism. Their strengths, coping strategies, and social presentation can mask underlying differences, making autism more difficult to identify. As a result, many girls are overlooked or misidentified and miss critical opportunities for support. Without accurate identification, these students may struggle to understand themselves, develop essential skills, and fully access their educational potential.
In this first session of our three-part series, school-based teams will learn how autism presents in girls and how these differences impact their educational experiences. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to recognize subtle or less stereotypical indicators and how interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens the identification process.
Intended Audience
- School Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Education Specialists
- General Education Teachers
- Administrators
- Occupational Therapists
Participants Will
- Understand how Autistic girls may present differently from traditional autism profiles
- Recognize how these differences impact social, communication, and academic functioning
- Learn how school based teams can collaborate to improve identification
Presenters
- Janet McLellan, Ph.D., M.A., CCC-SLP-L, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Natalie Corona, M.S., L.E.P., School Psychologist
Date
Friday, December 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
