Autism in Girls: A Harmful Oversimplification

Rachel and Caroline will outline how the history of the autism label and subsequent research impacts access to an autism evaluation and stereotypes surrounding autism and gender. They will then discuss how "autism in girls" is a misguided conceptualization of autism and educate the audience on autistic presentations being a unique combination of genetics and social conditioning. Microaggressions against this population will be described. Finally, implications for speech-language pathologists including referral for autism diagnosis and support throughout the lifespan will be discussed.

Explore Course

Presenters

Rachel Dorsey
M.S., CCC-SLP
Rachel Dorsey, MS, CCC-SLP is an autistic SLP who offers parent coaching, professional consultations, and courses regarding communication, feeding, and overall regulation in a person-centered and affirming approach. Rachel has been published or recorded for the ASHA Voices Podcast, ASHA Leader, The Neurodivergent Collective, The STAR Institute 2021 Virtual Summit for Sensory Processing in Autism and is an invited speaker at the ASHA 2021 Convention.
Caroline Gaddy
MFA, MA CCC-SLP
Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP (she/they) is a speech-language pathologist, AAC specialist, disability advocate, and neurodiversity educator. Through Vibrant Minds, LLC, they provide education on neuro-affirming and anti-ableist practices. Caroline is a Learning Consultant for Tobii Dynavox and presents nationally on neuro-affirming practices, AAC, and autistic communication. They are passionate about disability justice and believe communication is a fundamental right.

Learning Objectives

Describe at least 3 problems with applying binary gender definitions to our understanding of autism
Describe how understanding nuances to autism presentations can impact our role on diagnostic teams as SLPs (speech-language pathologists)
Identify at least 2 therapy practices that contribute to masking and 2 affirming alternatives that facilitate positive Autistic identity
Apply knowledge of features of high-masking autism across all genders by facilitating support of Autistic individuals across their lifespan

Agenda

10 minutes	History of diagnostic criteria of autism
10 minutes	Discussion of research on autism in girls vs. high-masking
15 minutes	Social conditioning & practices that lead to masking
15 minutes	Diagnostic teams & recognizing nuance
10 minutes	Facilitating support across the lifespan

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Rachel Dorsey (she/her): Rachel is the owner of Rachel Dorsey: Autistic SLP, LLC and pays herself a salary. She is receiving an honorarium for this presentation. Caroline Gaddy (she/they): Caroline is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Rachel Dorsey has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose. Caroline Gaddy has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.
Course - Content	Rachel Dorsey has no relevant content information to disclose. Caroline Gaddy has no relevant content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course, and all courses in the Equity Series, are being sponsored by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Autism in Girls: A Harmful Oversimplification: $20.00
This course explores how the history of the autism label and evolving research influence access to evaluation and gender-based stereotypes. Rachel and Caroline challenge the notion of “autism in girls” and instead present autism as a unique interplay of genetics and social conditioning. The course also addresses microaggressions and outlines the critical role SLPs play in making referrals and providing support across the lifespan. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.

Add-ons

Strategies to Increase Regulation & Communication in Your Autistic Students

$20.00

This course offers fresh, practical strategies for integrating sensory supports into your sessions to boost attention, engagement, and communication. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.