Review of "Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum" in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders by Kathleen Koenig

I am pleased to share that our book "Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum....." has recently been reviewed by Kathleen Koenig, Ph.D. of Yale School of Medicine in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

In writing this book, we were hopeful that it would help parents of an underserved and less recognized group of individuals with ASDs - girls (and women)! Kathleen's review recognizes a further contribution to the field - a meaningful conceptual book that can inform not only treatment approaches but next steps in research.

We are grateful to Kathleen, and humbled by her positive review...

Thank you!

Review of "Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum" by the author of "More than a Mom..."

In yesterday's blog for Today's Parent Magazine, Amy Baskin, mother of a teenage girl with ASD and co-author of the wonderful book "More Than a Mom – Living a Full and Balanced Life When Your Child has Special Needs" wrote a review of our book. See below...

http://community.todaysparent.com/advansis/?mod=for&act=dis&eid=99

Has anyone read More Than a Mom? Would love to hear your feedback. I think it is a wonderful book and I recommend it to many of the mothers with whom I work.

Talented young girl uses her beautiful singing voice to communicate

http://www.gnn.com/article/gina-incandela-breaks-through-silence/666846?icid=main

Woman with Autism Has Successful Business she Loves...

http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/08/rag_business_enriches_life_of.html


Similar to a story I posted previously, it is so great to see women with ASDs and their families creating roles in the community for themselves that are meaningful and that they love doing!

Inspiring

Saw an incredible concert in Prospect Park, Brooklyn last night... sitting outside the bandshell in the still night air - Bonnie Raitt, legendary blues and folk artist and guitarist. Anyone know her music? Queen of slide guitar! She is such an inspiration - a strong woman with a beautiful soul, talented and full of positive, calm energy - has overcome personal challenges and emerged insightful and ready to face what comes next. Made me think of all the young women with whom i work... and the importance of role models in their lives.

Who are your daughter's role models? It would be so great to put our girls in touch with each other...

"Make me an angel, that flies from Montgomery..."

good morning.

20/20 program on Carly Fleishman

A wonderful story about a remarkable young woman who has found her voice.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/MindMoodNews/Story?id=8258204&page=1

ABC News 20/20 program Aug 6, 2009:

Teen Locked in Autistic Body Finds Inner Voice
Unable to Speak or Connect to the World Until Age 11, Carly Fleishman Types: 'I Am Autistic But That Is Not Who I Am'

Seeking contributions from girls for our f-up book "The Girl's Guide"!

Hi again!

Day off today so I'm trying to catch up on correspondence including actually posting to the blog.

It has been great hearing everyone's response to Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum and in particular, requests for a guide for the girls themselves. So, we've started!

We are seeking advice, suggestions, comments etc. from girls, teens, and women with ASDs on all the topics in our first book including:

1. what it's like being a female with AS
2. strengths and interests
3. handling adolescence and puberty
4. menstruation
5. fashion
6. hygiene and grooming
7. social skills and frienships and bullying
8. sexuality and dating
9. mental health, self-esteem
10. personal safety
11. gender, media, culture, society expectations

Also, poetry or drawings!

I can be reached through email if you are interested: drshananichols@gmail.com

Thanks! Look forward to hearing from you,

Shana.

Our Autism Society of America meeting 2009 girls presentation

Hi everyone,

Got back a week or so ago from St. Charles where we gave a number of presentations - one of which was on girls with ASDs. I was so pleased that it was to a "standing room only" crowd. Finally everyone is starting to see the importance of issues facing females with ASDs, and are interested in understanding these more. Was anyone at the ASA meeting?

I was so fortunate to meet Sondra Williams in person finally after corresponding through email. She is such an incredible woman with AS, a great speaker, a brilliant mind. If you haven't read her book Reflections of Self published by The Gray Center, i strongly recommend it.

The annual women's panel was wonderful as always, moderated by ever dynamic Dena Gassner and Brigid Rankowski, a college student with AS, gave a wonderful talk about her experiences. What a cool gal! Very inspiring!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer - what are your girls up to this summer to have fun and keep learning and relaxing?

Would love to hear about it!

Shana.

Back again... and creativity

Hi everyone,

So the blog has been very quiet for a while. Apologies! Big transitions at work - my clinic is moving - and I broke my leg. I've been out of commission but I'm hoping to get back on track. 

Am reading a great book right now: "The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism through Art"

http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Spoke-Pictures-Through/dp/1843108895/ref=pd_sim_b_54

Do any of your daughters / clients / students express themselves creatively? How have you been able to encourage this?

Women with Disabilities and Successful Work Experiences

http://news.therecord.com/article/481365 

"Woman with Down syndrome didn't let preconceptions stop her from applying for a promotion"

A lovely news piece from my home country...