I am Aspiengirl: The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Females on the Autism Spectrum

Dedication

To the warrior AspienGirls I have been privileged to work with over the years. Your stories encouraged me to write this book. You are all true heroes, able to use your unique combination of gifts and talents to overcome your challenges and limitations. Every day, you work in superhero drive to achieve what your peers can naturally do, with ease. You do not go unnoticed. You are not insignificant. You have what it takes to Be Your Own Superhero - the best version of yourself.

Introduction

AspienGirl®: \as-pee-en-ger-l\ ; AspienWoman :\aspee-en-wo-man\

1. a young female from Planet Aspien®; an adult female from Planet Aspien®

2. a female with Asperger Syndrome; possessing similar and different characteristics than a male with Asperger Syndrome

3. a female with a differently wired brain

Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of females, of all ages, who have a stunning array of gifts and talents, in addition to challenges. This particular group of individuals all have the characteristic traits of Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. Many of them have discussed feeling different, alone, from another planet, or era, hence the term Planet Aspien®. The use of terms, for example AspienGirl® are used affectionately and serve as an identity for a group of females who feel isolated on populous planet Earth.

Many individuals have expressed an interest in a book such as this; from the individuals themselves to carers, parents, school personnel to professionals.

This book was written for three kinds of readers. First, I wrote this book for females, who themselves may identify with some or all of the characteristics; who may be self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed. Second, the book is for those that support females on the Spectrum; their family members, their carers, teachers or friends; and thirdly, for professionals (teachers, preschool staff, school counsellors, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, paediatricians), to become more familiar with the common, and at times subtle, presentations and to possibly aid in screening and better diagnostic processes.

I wrote this book to help spread awareness of this unique set of personality traits, preferences, characteristics, strengths, challenges and other traits. This book is the first in a series, designed to contribute to awareness and education. On each page, you will find a quotation directly from an AspienGirl® that illustrates a characteristic or trait, a photograph illustrating the trait and lastly, a quotation from a parent, teacher, family member or professional. Each picture has two different voices that both describe each characteristic and contribute to making a powerful visual description. Occasional quotes may be from AspienWomen reflecting on their younger years.

The traits in this book are not reflective of every person on the Spectrum and not every individual will have every characteristic listed. The words aspie, aspire, autie, aspiengirl, aspienwoman, aspergirl,asperwoman, and others are all terms used affectionately within the Autism Community.

Research on the Autistic female profile is very new, and as such, can be many years behind clinical and anecdotal observations. The female profile is a relatively new concept and field of research, and as such, many of the characteristics that are seen in clinics, inpatient and outpatient settings, schools, written about in blogs and books, have yet to be confirmed by solid research. There is a great need for research that focuses on the female profile and includes females on the Spectrum.

Whilst the DSM-5 now refers to the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, the term Asperger Syndrome is still used in every day communication, within the Autism community, and by some professionals, and is not likely to disappear, nor should it, for it would be a loss of identity in addition to ignoring the uniqueness of the Asperger profile. So, with this all in mind, please enjoy the visuals, quotes and sometime humorous look at this unique group of females, of which there are millions around the world, who can and do make significant contributions to humanity.

Acknowledgements

No book comes to fruition on its own. I would like to acknowledge the following people’s contributions. This amazing group of females are trailblazers in their own right and I am most grateful to have their support. I would now like to acknowledge some extraordinary women who made it possible for this book to be read.

Dr Judith Gould, thank you for writing the Foreword to this book and for your invaluable knowledge, experience, expertise and feedback.

Dr Temple Grandin, thank you for reviewing my book and for shining your bright light wherever you go. I am most grateful to have your support in such an important endeavor and project.

Dr Shana Nichols, thank you for providing a testimonial for this book and for your important feedback, expertise, knowledge and insight.

Dr Jennifer Imig Huffman, thank you for your valuable advice and support. You are a diamond in the rough!

Thank you to all the girls, teens and their families, friends, carers and professionals for sharing