B3F: Growing Up a Girl with Level One Autism- What I Wish Everyone Knew (and What I Wish They’d Stop Talking About)

Girls with Level One autism are often overlooked, misunderstood, or identified later than their peers. Many learn to mask their challenges, imitate social behaviors, and meet academic expectations while quietly struggling with anxiety, exhaustion, sensory overload, and social isolation. As a result, their support needs may be minimized or dismissed with comments such as “She’s doing fine,” “She’s too smart to have autism,” or “She just needs to try harder.”

This interactive breakout session combines professional expertise with lived experience. Co-presented by an autism specialist and a sixth-grade girl on the autism spectrum, the session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from a young person navigating the challenges of growing up in a world that often misunderstands girls with autism.

Through personal stories, audience discussion, and evidence-based information, participants will explore common misconceptions surrounding Level One autism in girls, including masking, social exhaustion, friendship challenges, emotional regulation, and the hidden impact of unmet support needs. The presenters will discuss current research on the presentation of autism in girls and share practical strategies for families, educators, and professionals to recognize support needs that may not be immediately visible.

Learning Outcomes:

Recognize common characteristics of autism in girls, including masking, social camouflaging, sensory challenges, and differences in presentation that may contribute to delayed identification or unmet support needs.

Examine how assumptions related to intelligence, academic performance, and outward behavior can impact access to accommodations, services, and emotional support for autistic girls.

Implement practical, evidence-based strategies to support self-advocacy, emotional regulation, peer relationships, and positive identity development in girls with autism across home, school, and community settings.

Speakers