Autism in women and girls is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. This comprehensive guide offers a clinical definition and clinical criteria for Autism as well as case studies illustrating the autistic female experience.
Written for professionals and autistic women alike, the female profile of autism is demystified and associated subjects including sexuality, relationships, professional life and routes to diagnosis are explored including a lived-experience case study by Annyck Martin. In addition, an assessment questionnaire is provided, tailored specifically to the diagnosis of autism in women. Each question is supported by clinical commentary from Autism experts Tony Attwood, Isabelle Henault, Valentina Pasin and Bruno Wicker to help the reader interpret answers and reach informed conclusions.
By providing extensive oversight of the characteristics common to autism in women, this comprehensive book sets itself out as an essential tool for both self and clinical diagnosis.
Isabelle Hénault has a masters degree in sexology and a doctorate of psychology from the Quebec University in Montreal. She has a private practice that provides assessment and therapy for individuals, couples and families, and acts as a consultant to a variety of organizations and schools. Her expertise lies in Asperger's Syndrome, with a special emphasis on sexuality, and she is the author of a sociosexual education programme for people with AS. She is involved with several international research projects on sexual education and psychotherapy for people on the autism spectrum.
Professor Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has over 50 years of experience working with autistic individuals. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. He co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events with Michelle Garnett in 2019.