Many autistic girls fly under the radar, their traits misinterpreted as shyness, perfectionism, or social anxiety rather than signs of neurodivergence. As a result, 80% of autistic girls often go undiagnosed until adulthood—if at all. This session, lead by a late-diagnosed autistic woman, equips attendees with the knowledge to recognize, accommodate, and support autistic girls. We’ll explore why girls are frequently overlooked in traditional autism assessments, the ways autism often presents differently in them, and practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. By understanding the subtle ways autistic girls move through the world, we can help reduce burnout, foster self-acceptance, and encourage early interventions that change lives.

This session is intended for those who have regular contact with students (educators, teachers, coaches, counselors) or for medical and mental health professionals who may be able to recognize signs in undiagnosed autistic women, and facilitate exploration of diagnosis or identification that can help improve positive outcomes.