The gender ratio for autistic boys and girls is reducing as we become more familiar with the profile of abilities of autistic girls. The first stage of the presentation will focus on adaptations to autism that includes camouflaging autistic characteristics. The second stage will review the recently published screening questionnaires designed to identify autistic girls and concerns regarding the sensitivity of conventional diagnostic assessment instruments to confirm a diagnosis of autism in autistic girls. The third stage will focus on autistic girls concept of self, authenticity, and ability to manage stress and potential burnout. The final stage will focus on the development of friendships and relationships.
The presentation will focus on:
- Adaptations to autism that include camouflaging and compensation
- Pathways to a diagnosis for a teenage autistic girl
- Screening questionnaires and guidelines for the diagnosis of autistic girls
- The sensitivity of diagnostic instruments such as ADOS to confirm a diagnosis for an autistic girl
- Strategies to develop a positive sense of self and authenticity
- Managing stress and energy depletion and the risk of experiencing autistic burnout
- Developing friendships and potential vulnerability in romantic experiences
Tony is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in Autism Spectrum Disorders since he qualified as a clinical psychologist in England in 1975. He currently works in his own private practice, and is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland and senior consultant at the Minds and Hearts clinic in Brisbane. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 500,000 copies and has been translated into 27 languages. His subsequent book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, published in October 2006 has sold over 300,000 copies and has been translated into 18 languages, and is one of the primary textbooks on Asperger’s syndrome, otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 1. He has several subsequent books published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Future Horizons Inc. and Guilford Press on emotion management, relationships and sexuality, and general advice for autistic children and adults.
Tony has been invited to be a keynote speaker at many Australasian and International Conferences. He presents workshops and runs training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with Asperger’s syndrome all over the world and is a prolific author of scientific papers and books on the subject. He has presented several live webinars with his colleague, Dr. Michelle Garnett, which have been recorded and can be accessed via their website at www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com.
He has worked with many thousands of individuals of all ages with many expressions of autism.