ABSTRACT
Hmm … it really does seem that no two females on the autism spectrum are exactly the same, yet they all share the same diagnosis! Why is that?
You are right; autism is a spectrum, so no two people will be affected in the same way. You also have to remember that autism is only one factor in a person’s development. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviour will also be influenced by our home environment, culture, the people around us and our prior life experiences – in exactly the same way as those not on the autism spectrum. It is also important to remember that females on the autism spectrum, as well as having different genetic and social backgrounds, will also have very different attitudes towards their ASC and over time will have built up a bank of coping strategies to different extents. That is why the rest of this book is about getting to know individuals and supporting students to find what works for them rather than suggesting that the same things will work for everybody.
