There has been a recent increase in awareness of the need for timely and appropriate diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in girls and young women. Without such a diagnosis and the relevant support systems being put in place, young women are at high risk of developing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.

This set of 2 includes:

• The ASD Girls’ Wellbeing Toolkit
  • The 30-session programme is in three sections: Me & My Mental Health; Relationships & Communication Skills; My Toolkit for Wellbeing & Future Health and aims to ensure that girls can and do develop good mental health, including appropriate levels of autonomy, emotional resilience and open communication.
  • Care has been taken to ensure that the activities are ASD friendly through the use of explicit aims, reinforcement, clear language, concrete examples, role play, structure and routine, and a focus on self-awareness. This resource also includes a downloadable comprehensive PowerPoint Training Session for staff and carers.
• The ASD Girls’ Conversation Skills Cards
  • 60 practical ideas and strategies to promote and develop the mental health and well-being of girls with autism
  • Split into three sections: Me & My Mental Health; Relationships & Communication Skills; My Toolkit for Wellbeing & Future Health
  • This resource provides the school-based practitioner with a series of practical and user-friendly activities for use with ASD girls. They include activities designed to support the child or young person in understanding their own feelings and worries and the fact that these are valid but can also be challenged. The need to remember that our feelings are not always facts is key here.