Hidden in Plain Sight: Educating Girls with Autism

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

n/a

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
educator
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration
K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
special educator
speech language pathologist
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Edina

Description:

In this session, participants will explore why girls with autism are often identified later than boys and how masking, social imitation, and internalized anxiety can hide their needs. Participants will learn to recognize subtle school-based indicators of autism in girls, including executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation needs, sensory sensitivities, and social communication differences. Through practical examples and case scenarios, participants will examine how compliant or high-achieving behavior may mask underlying challenges. The session will provide concrete, school-based strategies and accommodations that support academic, social, and emotional success, emphasizing strength-based approaches. Participants will leave with tools to better identify, understand, and support girls with autism in classroom settings, enhancing engagement and promoting meaningful outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Participants will identify factors that contribute to the delayed or missed diagnosis of autism in girls.

• Participants will recognize common characteristics and school-based indicators of autism in girls that may differ from traditional presentations.

• Participants will apply practical educational strategies and supports to better meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of girls with autism.

Disclosures:

Mo Buti: I have no financial disclosures. I am not getting paid for this presentation.