Thread by @TaniaAMarshall

Thread on #GNC & identity in #autism #Aspergers #adhd from @AspienWoman @AspiengirlVIP the assessment & diagnosis or self-diagnosis is full of dangers inherent in the vulnerability of many autistic female experiences, as they discover their authentic GNC selves/identity

From early on they don’t fit in, feel ‘different’, ‘alien’, ‘wierd’, from their peers. They are intent on following the rules perfectly, often devoid of context, correctly following the rules in black and white ways. They have intense intellectual & philosophical curiosity

About getting it “right”. They ask multiple questions from as early as they can talk. They use their intelligence to use strategies through imitation, echolalia, masking, personas of other people, overthinking, strong emotions perfectionism, social camouflaging, mimicking copying

The freedom to be oneself emerges as one is assessed amd diagnosed and brave enough to make mistakes, to be insightful and self aware. The diagnosis starts the journey, a provides clarity, and must always be explained in a strengths based manner, not a deficit based way.

My clinical suggests the earlier the dx. the better. The best time to explain the dx. is as soon as possible, at the beginning of primary school or Kindergarten. The diagnosis should be presented by a parent or experienced trained professional in a strengths based way.

This is critical. Explaining this to a teenager requires extreme sensitivity and different wording. Clearly list & describe all talents strengths and interests, including the common strengths of honesty, loyalty, outspokenness, ability to ‘see’ errors &
Mistakes, hyper empathy

intellectual & philosophical curiosity, logic, talents & abilities. Then describe that everybody has challenges or weaknesses, explain those individual challenges and plan how to support those particular areas. Always include the client in identifying their strengths/challenges

Challenges may include difficulties in knowing what to say at times, taking longer to process social &’emotional information &’communication, sensory experiences extremely challenging emotions, language issues and restricted interests. She will discover her strengths are more

Her challenges. So getting them to understand their individualised strengths and challenges amd that There are others like her, about 1 in 100@or less. This unique profile of abilities has been spotted, there is a name for it, and use the appropriate name for the context i.e.

Aspergers, Aspiengirl, Autism or #2e, then share positive mentors or role models who have similar neurotypes or profiles, aspergers, #2e. A ‘what next’ section and therapy is imperative. Share positive literature with her like @AspienWoman @AspiengirlVIP or @TempleGrandin work

The knowledge about autism for a girl teen or woman on the spectrum life changing, providing a logical scientific evidence based explanation for differences that she has always been aware of. Without a diagnosis, they begin to start to form the basis of a negative self-identity.

The negative self identity leads to 24/7 negative internal dialogue, self hatred, shame, negativity, anger and rage. The medical puberty issues common to autistic females are severe & include severe menstrual ssues, PCOS, diabetes, extreme lengthy bleeding clots and pain

Which can lead to gender dysphoria. A systemising brain, higher IQ &’lower socioeconomic- emotional IQ with earlier & more severe menstrual & medial issues, the frustration with fitting in with her peers & her neurotyoe all combine to create gender dysphoria in Autistic girls