Team Aspiengirl are gearing up for the release of the first, in a series, of books for females on the Autism Spectrum. We are very excited to have just received the following endorsements from trailblazers in their own rights: Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Judith Gould, Dr. Francesca Happe and Dr. Shana Nicols! Have a read at what they have to say about the I Am Aspiengirl book.
“An imaginative book with a positive message for girls with Autism or Asperger Syndrome”
Dr. Temple Grandin
Author, The Autistic Brain, USA
“Thank you so much for sending me your wonderful book. I think it is great, and fulfils a real need to raise awareness about females on the spectrum. There is an urgent need for more research with women and girls on the autism spectrum. We don’t yet know how much current diagnostic criteria and processes disadvantage females and whether those undiagnosed suffer in silence or manage to compensate effectively. Raising awareness of autism spectrum conditions in females is an important first step, which this book achieves while reflecting the great diversity of experiences and opinions in this complex area”.
Dr. Francesca Happe, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Director & Head of Department, President, International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, UK
FOREWARD
The term Aspien Girl, as the title of Tania Marshall’s book is very appropriate and reflects what girls on the autism spectrum often say; that they feel they are from a different planet.
The rationale for this book is to address awareness of females with Autism or Asperger Syndrome who are often misdiagnosed and receive inappropriate interventions or who are simply not diagnosed. The book also emphasises advocacy for this group with their unique needs and challenges, education about the female profile and the differences between males and females.
For professionals working in this fascinating field the comments and statements of the girls and their parents are illuminating, clever and often funny. They highlight the obvious and not so obvious subtle differences in the way autism is manifested in females. This has special significance when considering a diagnosis. The core difficulties in Autism are the same for all individuals within the spectrum but there are gender differences and it is the way these behaviours are manifested and interpreted that is important. Many clinicians/diagnosticians still have a male stereotype of what behaviours constitute autism and dismiss girls and women because they do not fit this rigid, narrow view. It is now time for change and the examples given in this book constitutes a major step forward in re-thinking the diagnosis of females in the spectrum.
The emphasis throughout the book highlights the strengths and positive attributes of the females but their ‘differentness’ has to be acknowledged by everyone living and working with them. A sympathetic ‘mentor’ in the education system can make or break a young girl’s future. As professionals we need to be informed about the way young women think and perceive the world. This book gives us this insight. Tania Marshall’s way of describing the strengths and pitfalls for females on the spectrum using pictures and photographs is much more meaningful than words alone. These visual presentations will give guidance to professionals when explaining the diagnosis as this type of presentation makes more sense to a girl in the spectrum.
The book is divided into sections with delightful visual presentations covering all aspects of daily life, play, social interaction, language and communication, sensory and emotional needs, together with strengths and challenges in all these areas.
Five important needs of Aspien girls are highlighted which remind us of the uniqueness of each individual and how we as professionals and parents should accommodate them. The appendices give further useful information on commonly observed traits and characteristics of girls, the unique strengths of the girl profile when explaining the diagnosis and gender differences from both research based information and clinical observation.
A final quote from a girl in the spectrum. “With the diagnosis and the right support we Aspien girls have been known to soar…..”.
This book is a must for everyone living and working with girls on the autism spectrum.
Dr Judith Gould
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, UK
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“One of the brightest building blocks contributing to the emergence of a sisterhood of females on the autism spectrum and those who support and love them. I Am Aspiengirl is a true gift to the community.”
Shana Nichols, PhD, Leading Author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, USA
Sneak-A-Peek of Page 1 of 9 pages devoted to outlining the unique characteristics and traits of females (young girls through teenage years) on the Autism Spectrum
Professional Translators Wanted
The Aspiengirl Project is devoted to the awareness, advocacy, education and sharing of information regarding the female profile to as many other countries/languages as possible. So far the book series will be translated into Norwegian, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Brazilian and Portugese this year. If you would like to translate one or more of my book series, please contact me at tania@aspiengirl.com
We are thrilled to be working with translators, who understand the importance of their own work, in addressing the critical need for information on female Autism in a variety of countries.
As a result of this great feedback we have put together some very special offers for both the eBook and printed book as well as for people who can’t decide which format they would prefer at a discounted price to receive both including complimentary postage.
All 3 books in both Paperback and eBook plus FREE shipping for $89.99, available at http://www.aspiengirl.com! You can also sign up for our newsletter and become an affiliate.
We have been receiving a wide variety of inquiries related to diagnostic assessments, problem-solving and support sessions and book-related interviews, articles, webinars and workshops. Please email me at tania@aspiengirl.com if you would like to book a session.
Take care and remember, Aspiengirls are not your average Superheros
Tania