At nasen live in Birmingham in July , Professor Barry Carpenter , Chair of the National Working Group on Autism in Girls, ( supported by the NAHT) relaunched the Call to Action, as part of his keynote address. This can be downloaded free below.
It has also been announced that a new book ‘ Understanding Autism in Girls (Routledge) will be published late 2018 . The book will feature chapter contributions by members of the National Working Group , and will be edited by Professor Carpenter with Professor Francesca Happe, and Jo Egerton.
New article: ‘Let’s Talk Autism’ -a school-based project for students to explore and share their experiences of being autistic
Kathryn Stevenson, Katie Cornell and Vivian Hinchcliffe
Understanding what autism means on a personal level can be an important process for young people on the autistic spectrum, and being able to reflect on this and discuss with autistic peers can be particularly helpful. However, opportunities may be restricted by reluctance to talk about diagnosis and because of difficulties in communication inherent in autism. This article describes a therapeutic media project within an ASD school that attempted to support young people to reflect together about what autism meant for them and create resources to share with others.
The process is described and main themes of discussions analysed using thematic analysis. Main themes emerged of making sense of diagnosis, experiences of difference and transition to adulthood. Various strategies to manage diagnosis and negotiate identity also emerged. Issues around informed consent and confidentiality and the therapeutic value of such groups are discussed.
Barry Carpenter Education 