A Women's Rights Issue
Autistic Women and Girls need Support too.
Despite the fact that we have been talking about a gender disparity in the level of diagnosis for autistic females for a decade There is still a very poor level of understanding of the female presentation of autism and the more internalised presentation of autism.
This is a new area of research and it is now necessary for clinicians to be made aware of the signs in girls and women and for this information to be disseminated quickly .amongst service providers because there is little inclusion of females’ needs and rights in legislation. and many females are still being overlooked and not receiving a diagnosis till much later in life than males.
This is becoming a gender discrimination issue as autistic females are a minority within a minority. Autistic women are often misdiagnosed or missed completely. This needs to stop as these women miss out on support, can feel isolated and alone and can go on to develop chronic health conditions due to living with long-term anxiety and stress.
Local Authority, NHS bodies and NHS Foundation Trusts should: Recognise that women with autism may be missed and misdiagnosed as they may be better able to mask their social difficulties.
There can also be a perception that autism is something that men have and this can impact on women being referred for diagnosis. Improved awareness and training should help overcome this.
Statutory guidance for Locals Authorities and NHS organisations to support the implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy
Campaigning and Lobbying
We campaign for the rights of women and girls and for better services for autistic people throughout their life. Alongside our partners, we continue to lobby for change in attitudes that are responsible for the current failings in the system
There is now a network of women around Wales developing who are all passionate about tackling the discrimination that autistic women too often face. supporting campaigns to improve diagnostic and support services.
We raise awareness through social media and exhibitions and awareness talks. focusing on the equalities and social barriers that disable us We work closely with other organisations who support us in raising the issues and calling for improved recognition of the many girls and women on the spectrum that still remain unsupported
We are extremely pleased to see that the 2018 United Nations observance focused on the importance of empowering autistic women and girls and involving them and their representative organisations in policy and decision-making to address the challenges they face The UN showed leadership and good practice by bringing autistic women together to share their stories. We hope this will encourage policymakers and service providers to take our views and needs into consideration.
We are now working to ensure that autistic women and girls across Wales can access the support they need to become empowered and fulfil their full potential in life, for now, our aim is to continue to reach out to others, and build a supportive community that really understand.
Representation I Have a Voice
The Autistic Women’s Empowerment Project provides a voice for a growing network of Autistic women through involvement in consultations and participation events.
We are also working with other organisations across Wales to develop projects that will hopefully make life less challenging for autistic girls and women
Our focus groups meet regularly to discuss the challenges autistic girls and women face and work together to develop a knowledge base and to campaign for better inclusion of female needs in all legislation and service provision.
We work closely with Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales and other equality organisations
