Aspergers in Girls (also, PDD & NLD)

miss no stars

Hi everyone

So a bit of background. Last summer I was working in the USA at a summer camp, primarily for kids with AS but many had PDD, NLD, OCD and ADHD, sometimes with OCD or ADHD in addition to one of the first three. We received great support from the directors and other members of staff, most of whom are clinical psychologists specialising in the area.

Before going to the camp I did a lot of reading on AS, what it looked like, ways to communicate, methods for dealing with meltdowns etc and when we got there we got more training on similar topics before the kids arrived.

I'm going back there next summer and on reflection, I realise that in the early days before getting to know the kids, it was very very difficult to tell what was a result of their disorders and what was them just testing the water and pushing boundaries. I should at this point mention that outside of activities (I was an activity specialist so spent about 4 hours a day with other bunk groups) as a female, I of course was living in and responsible for a girls' bunk (along with 3 other staff members). The main problem I found was that all the literature I could (and can) find referred to what Aspergers looks like in boys and that the vast, vast majority of the girls didn't seem to conform to what we were expecting to see. Like, a lot of the boys literally behaved exactly like the text book says they will.

Given that a lot of the campers have difficulty in adjusting to camp life and the new routine and change of environment, I'd really like that period to go as smoothly as possible and be at my best for them particularly in that time, but as I said before, in the first few days it was hard to tell what behaviour was the aspergers and what was just them being normal teenagers, something that became infinately easier after a few days when everyone knows each other. So I'm wondering if anyone here knows where I can get any (preferably free) articles on what AS looks like in girls specifically or if you have any hints/advice/experience you'd be willing to share I'd greatly appreciate it.

The Black Oil

There are certainly books on AS and girls (and women), though probably not enough and I can't comment on the quality of what's currently out there. Maybe your local library would be able to get some in. I suppose diagnosing girls is even more difficult because their difficulties are probably under-recgonised so they might be prone to falling through the cracks.

Alternatively, maybe head over to Wrong Planet for some ideas. Don't forgot NAS as well.

Kevster

Hi,

I'm an administrator on psychforums.com, and I have Asperger's Syndrome: http://www.psychforums.com/asperger-syndrome/

Here are some links with info relating to Asperger's Syndrome in girls:
http://www.byparents-forparents.com/asperger-syndrome-girls.html
http://autismaspergerssyndrome.suite101.com/article.cfm/girls_with_aspergers_syndrome
http://www.newsweek.com/id/168868

More info about Asperger's can be found here (I did this one myself):
http://www.psychforums.com/asperger-syndrome/topic44117.html


Kevin

beautyqueen1979

I guess I'm just coming here from a different point of view - it's great to have background information on a condition to aid you but one thing that I've always been taught is every child is unique. Every child I've worked with who has a diagnosis of ASD has been different, and it was so easy in the beginning to see them as 'a kid with ASD' rather than simply 'a kid'.

It's good you were able to reflect and not know what was what in those first few days. I think by doing that you may be more able to go in and look at each young person as an individual and not simply look for patterns of behaviours that conform to a named condition.

It's definately good to arm yourself with info, especially during a transition period with the teenagers, but in my experience I think it is also good to be totally open-minded and not immediately look for manifestations of a diagnosis before simply looking at the child an as individual.

Hope that helps a little....evidence based practice is the best way forward, I certainly have done a lot of reading and will continue to do so throughout my career but I just wanted to put another spin on any experiences you may have with kids Took me a while to just take off the academic hat and simply accept the children in front of me ....also I have no handy info on ASD in girls, lol.

Skyler H

The links provided in the posts are really great and useful for all the people to know about the aspergers. There are so many girls who are suffering from this and there are so many websites where they are helping people to know about the aspergers. Some remedies also provided and which may taken care of but after consulting the physician.

JuliusCaesar

this might be useful

Moobui

Don't know if this was in one of the links but Attwood has a book on Asperger's and girls. Apparently it is very good.

Kevster

Yes, he's one of the most recognised names in this field. His 'main' book is entitled A complete guide to Asperger's Syndrome. I have my own copy, and it is indeed a good book!

Moobui

The Attwood book mentioned by Kevster is very good. I had just had a look through it though and it doesn't seem to have that much specific to girls with Asperger's. This is a link to the book I mentioned http://www.amazon.com/Aspergers-Girls-Tony-Attwood/dp/193256540X

The Black Oil

This talk by Temple Grandin is good for inspiration at least.

WhollyChao

Hi there,

I don't agree with absolutely everything in this article but there are a lot of interesting ideas in it, some of which you may find useful. I would be happy to rattle on about my own personal experiences as an adult female with AS, but I will wait until I can change GP and get a referral, as the GP I have at the moment simply told me to "get on with it" - apparantly being over 25 means I am obviously well able to deal with everyday life and do not need diagnosis or support.