Inclusive Education Project Podcast

Today’s topic is one that many people don’t recognize or acknowledge: autism in girls. Autism seems to present differently and to be much more commonly diagnosed in boys, so let’s learn more with today’s guest. Dr. Melody Abbene is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in working with neurodivergent people, most of whom are autistic. She does therapeutic work and adult autism assessments and is based in Los Angeles. Show Highlights:The differences in autism that present internally (more common in girls) and externally (more common in boys)Why girls with autism seem to blend in better with their peersWhere parents should begin if they suspect their child is neurodivergentHow parents can best communicate with the school team about the internal presentation of their child’s autismHow to tell that a child might have internalized autismHow “masking” is defined and describedWhy girls are more likely to be labeled with emotional disturbances and misdiagnosedLinks/Resources:Connect with Dr. Melody Abbene