iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 7h

HUGE thank you to Dr Emilia Misheva who is very kindly donating 100% of royalties from her book, Under The Radar, to our charity. This is an essential guide to autism and girls, looking at friendships and relationships, education, mental health and puberty. bit.ly/4cCrF36

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

You might never know her name. You might never know that she was sitting in her bedroom believing she was the only person in the world who felt like she did. But your donation could help create the support that reaches her. She could get a little more hope because of you. bit.ly/DonateAGN

You might never meet her.
Your donation might change her life

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

New research: 22 autistic and ADHD teenagers describe masking all day at school and burnout that holidays don't fix. Their distress came from environments that didn't fit them. A small preprint, but worth your time: autisticgirlsnetwork.org/masking-bu…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

We are proud to be a founding member of Youth Council UK, and want to make sure neurodivergent young people are part of the conversation. The UK Young Ambassadors are running a national consultation for young people - have your say: bit.ly/46wjJPB

Graphic promoting the UK Young Ambassadors’ consultation on young people’s priorities for the Commonwealth. The graphic features a group photo of UK Young Ambassadors and other representatives at a Commonwealth event. Pink text panel reads: “UK Young Ambassadors. Young people’s priorities for the Commonwealth. Tell us what should change. Open to anyone aged 13–25 living in the UK.” A “Have your say” button includes the link bit.ly/46wjJPB. The consultation closes 1 November 2026.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"Just anxious." She heard it about her daughter for two years. Now she's hearing it about herself. A new review found that women with the same conditions as men were less likely to be offered surgery, referrals or intensive treatment. bit.ly/4AOwRxB

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Unauthorised Absence, written by Jo Clayton and now featuring BAFTA-winning and Golden Globe-nominated actor Cathy Tyson, tells the story of a mother fined and threatened by the system while fighting to get statutory support for her autistic daughter

mimesic.com

Unauthorised Absence — MIMESIC

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Join us for a free online session unpacking what RSD is, why perceived criticism or rejection can trigger such intense reactions, and how we can recognise early signs and respond in ways that build safety and confidence: www.tickettailor.com/events/autisti…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Disengagement isn't the absence of progress. Often, it's where recovery starts. A dysregulated young person needs their capacity rebuilt before re-engagement can begin. That's not a gap in provision, it's sequencing, and it matters. Our school is built around exactly that @thehavenonline.bsky.social

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

If you've been told to just get her in, reward the good days, tighten the routine, and none of it worked, that's not your failure. It's the wrong approach for the wrong problem. Attendance-first strategies aren't built with autistic girls, or years of masking, in mind. #SchoolAvoidanceAwarenessWeek

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Many parents we work with are fighting for an EHCP while processing their own late autism/ADHD identification. What we hear consistently: "We are completely alone in this." #SchoolAvoidanceAwarenessWeek

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A girl who masked every moment at school, until she couldn't. The school sees non-attendance. The family sees a child who can't get out of bed. Both true, & barriers to attendance are almost always the end of a long road, not a behaviour problem. schoolavoidance.co.uk #SchoolAvoidanceAwarenessWeek

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Sometimes your child’s diagnosis opens a door to understanding yourself. You learn about masking, sensory differences, autistic experience and recognise yourself. We've brought together information and resources for autistic women - autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autistic-w…

An image of a mother and her child in the same position on a bed watching a tv out of shot.
Overlaid text reads: "Wait....I do that too."
Sometimes your child's diagnosis makes you look at your own life differently.
Discovering autistic identity in adulthood.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A small charity with a very big job. We support thousands of families, run groups, create resources, train professionals, campaign for change & support young people through @thehavenonline.bsky.social . But thousands of autistic girls still haven’t found us. Help us reach them. bit.ly/DonateAGN

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Autistic joy is real, documented, and deserves more airtime. 💜 Wassell (2026) found that a majority of autistic participants often experience joy, including joy because of being autistic. We hold both the struggle and the joy. Autistic girls deserve to be seen in full.

Autistic Girls Network. Autistic joy is real. And it's backed by research. Below: "A majority of autistic participants in a 2026 study said they often experience joy." followed in italic text by "Not despite being autistic. Because of it." Below: "Both things are true at once." followed by: We hold the struggle and the joy — because autistic girls & women deserve to be seen in full. Not just in crisis. The whole picture. Always. Source: Wassell, E. (2026). Experiences of Autistic Joy.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

That's Lily, 15, on what our Abergavenny group means to her. Low noise. No pressure. Lots of pom poms. Read her story here - bit.ly/46e8paH and find out where our other groups run over on our website.

"For a long time I felt that my feelings were irrational... being part of the group has made me realise that they are valid." Lily

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Autistic people have a legal right to reasonable adjustments in healthcare, not a favour. New blog: what autistic adults told researchers about breast cancer care, and why small changes (written info, quiet waiting spaces) make a real difference. bit.ly/4gAkbCi

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Come & meet us! We’re exhibiting & giving a talk on inclusive education and support for neurodivergent learners at the National Neurodiversity Show in Glasgow. We’d love to see you there. nationalneurodiversityshows.com/pro…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September doesn't feel like a fresh start for every family. If you're already bracing for the school run, that's not catastrophic thinking, it's pattern recognition. You are not behind. Your daughter is not behind. The system wasn't built with her in mind. We're here: www.autisticgirlsnetwork.org

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Neurodivergent people in the workplace are often undisclosed, masking, quietly carrying the cost of processes that were never built with them in mind. Our Corporate Training is practical, neuro-affirmative, & delivered by neurodivergent trainers. autisticgirlsnetwork.org/corporate-…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Evie writes for us about masking, leaving school, and what came after 👉 autisticgirlsnetwork.org/a-life-after-school/

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

New DfE data: 10% of girls aged 5-6 showed socio-emotional difficulties, vs 17% of boys, on a screening based on what adults can observe. Girls don't struggle less. They struggle where adults aren't looking. More here: bit.ly/4x1zVEd

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Georgia, an autistic graphic design grad, joined AGN to design the visuals for AGN Circles, soft typography, gentle shapes, and illustrations rooted in her own neurodivergent experience. Her work was nominated for Design for Good. More on AGN Circles coming soon. Read Georgia's story: bit.ly/4hwMoL9

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Autism is rarely a solo diagnosis. ADHD, anxiety, PDA, hypermobility, sensory differences and more often sit alongside it, the parts of the picture that can get missed. Find out more about the support we offer: autisticgirlsnetwork.org

"Autism and co-occurring differences" An iceberg illustration shows "Autistic" labelled above the waterline, with "just some of the co-occurring differences" below the waterline. Text lists co-occurring differences: epilepsy, dyscalculia, ADHD, alexithymia, sleep difficulties, Ehlers Danlos syndromes, gastrointestinal issues, PMDD, anxiety, intellectual disabilities, situational mutism, FND, OCD, dysautonomia, eating difficulties, dyspraxia, & dyslexia.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

They call it rigidity. The research measured it as fairness. A study found autistic adults stayed generous towards strangers throughout a game with real money at stake, non-autistic adults' fairness dropped off. Words matter. Read more: bit.ly/4hBtGSx

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Your donation will never fund a reward chart. It funds rooms where autistic girls don't have to earn belonging. bit.ly/DonateAGN

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Come & meet us! We’re exhibiting & giving a talk on inclusive education and support for neurodivergent learners in Glasgow. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or neurodivergent yourself, we’d love to see you there. nationalneurodiversityshows.com/sco… #natneuroshows

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

36,000 families. 20 face-to-face groups. One national charity. Our support is free to families but not free to run. Our groups have waiting lists and we field requests for new ones every week that we can't yet fund. Help us changes lives bit.ly/agndonate

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Change doesn't always take months. Sometimes it starts with a handful of sessions. The right support, offered without judgement, at the right time. For some families, that support continues at @thehavenonline.bsky.social our online school.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The gap between a SEND diagnosis and a job is not caused by the diagnosis. It is caused by an education system these young people could not stay in, and which did not change to keep them. Source article referenced - bit.ly/45O0MY6

'New government data.' Large purple text reads 43%, with the statement: of young people out of work and education for four or more years after school had special educational needs. Below are two comparison bars: 'Out of work and education for 4+ years' at 43%, and 'Stayed in education or work' at 10%. Bold text reads: 'The problem was never the child.' Small print: Share with special educational needs in each group. Source: Department for Education longitudinal data, 2026.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

There are girls in our groups who arrived having never had a friend. Then they walk into a room where the other girls' brains work like theirs, someone saves them a seat, asks about their special interest. We run 20 of those rooms. We want 50. Donations are how rooms open - bit.ly/agndonate

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

New blog post: Why Earlier Identification Matters for Girls. "Earlier identification is better. Whether it's ADHD or Autism or both, knowing is better than not." Read here: bit.ly/AGNearlyid

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Our 20 face-to-face groups are free for families. That's not an accident, it's the point. The girls who need these rooms most are usually in families who've already spent everything on assessments, appeals & lost income. £10 a month helps keep a girl's place in her local group free. bit.ly/DonateAGN

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

One year of The Haven, our online school: every family who responded to our survey said their child's wellbeing has improved since joining. These are the young people the system called school-refusers. Read more: autisticgirlsnetwork.org/it-was-nev…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Autistic capacity shifts with context, not just intensity. A young person overwhelmed by a supermarket checkout can genuinely enjoy a concert, predictability, choice, and control change everything. Read more: autisticgirlsnetwork.org/when-contr…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

A UN report to the Human Rights Council has confirmed what autistic learners have long known: exam halls often fail to accommodate the cognitive, executive functioning, and sensory needs of neurodivergent learners, turning assessment into an exit point rather than a support. bit.ly/4b2iZEy

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

None of these are legitimate reasons to refuse a referral or diagnosis, but they're all reasons families have been given, for girls who went on to be diagnosed anyway. Delay = distress. Every time. Our step-by-step guide to navigating an autism diagnosis in the UK: bit.ly/AGNDiagProcess

Title - "Reasons given for non-referral or diagnosis of autism," below: "Good sense of humour," "Mother is overprotective," "They're just sensitive," "They talk too much," "They aren't violent or repetitive," "Have friends," "Nothing wrong with them," "They are just a bully," "They show too much empathy," "Can hold a conversation," "They need to be referred by the GP," "Fine at school," "They have an active imagination," "They can play imaginatively," "They are clever," "They make eye contact."

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

We're thrilled to be finalists for a National Diversity Award in the Community Organisation: Gender category. This recognition reflects the incredible community we've built together through Autistic Girls Network. Thank you for standing alongside us. 💜 #NationalDiversityAwards

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Isla shares how volunteering and being part of AGN's Youth Advisory Board has helped her feel accepted, celebrated and empowered to make a difference. Read Isla's impact case study here: autisticgirlsnetwork.org/volunteeri…

A smiling young person with shoulder-length dark brown hair and round glasses, wearing a sunflower lanyard. Alongside their portrait is a quote that reads: "I have felt listened to, respected, and valued. I feel that my struggles are recognised and accommodated without a fight, and my strengths are celebrated. I don't feel pressure to fit myself into a neurotypical mould, and this allows me to flourish." The quote is attributed to Isla, AGN Youth Advisory Board member and Support Assistant.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Online gaming can be a genuine lifeline for autistic young people, connection without sensory overload, communities where they belong. Join our free family workshop on staying safe online whilst gaming and socialising, with special guest Lee Allen from South Wales Police - bit.ly/fwgaming

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Our 2025 Impact Report is here! autisticgirlsnetwork.org/impact-reports/

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

"Why does my life fall apart before my period?" Hormones directly affect the brain chemistry behind AuDHD traits, and premenstrual weeks, postpartum and perimenopause are particular flashpoints. New blog post: bit.ly/4gQEdZG

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Wonderful news! 💜 AGN is a finalist for a National Diversity Award in the Community Organisation: Gender category. Thank you to everyone who voted. Your support means the world, and this recognition celebrates the work of our entire Autistic Girls Network. #NationalDiversityAwards

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Come & meet us! We’re exhibiting & giving a talk on inclusive education & support for neurodivergent learners in Coventry. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or neurodivergent yourself, we’d love to see you there. nationalneurodiversityshows.com/mid…

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

AGN CEO Cathy Wassell is speaking at the Birmingham Autism and ADHD Summit on 15th July 💜 A day of learning and sharing experiences of autistic women and women with ADHD — come along if you can.https://bit.ly/bhamsummit

A close-up photo of Cathy Wassell, a white woman with long blonde hair and dark-framed glasses, smiling slightly. White bold text reads: "I'm speaking at Birmingham Autism and ADHD Summit on the 15th July. Join us for a day of learning and sharing experiences of autistic women and women with ADHD." Below, the name "Cathy Wassell" appears in bold, followed by "Autistic Girls Network & The Haven". The Autistic Girls Network and The Haven logos appear in the bottom left corner.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Autistic girls who ask unexpected questions, spot overlooked details, and think in original ways? Turns out those are exactly the qualities that make exceptional Intelligence Analysts. bit.ly/agnintellan

Purple-tinted background photo of a young woman with her hair up, seated at a desk with a keyboard. "Thinking differently is not a problem. It is a strength, and it can make a real difference. Autistic people can think in original ways. Maybe you ask questions others don't think to ask or notice something everyone else has missed. That difference can lead to really important discoveries." Below bold text reads: "Thinking Differently: How autistic girls can make amazing Intelligence Analysts".

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

When a child can't get out of bed for school, it's often a sign that something deeper is going on. Anxiety, burnout, overwhelm & unmet needs can make school feel unmanageable. The Haven's latest blog post explores why & how parents can respond with practical support. bit.ly/havblogwtd

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

You've raised over £10,000 so far! Thank you to everyone who's helped us get here. There's still time to make your donation count for twice as much through Big Give's Small Charity Week campaign. bit.ly/scwbg #SmallCharityWeek #DoubleTheDifference #BigGive

A purple campaign graphic from Autistic Girls Network featuring a large white panel displaying the message: "Last chance to donate" and "£10,000 raised so far!" in large purple and coral text. Hand-drawn white arrows point towards the "Last chance to donate" banner. At the bottom are the Small Charity Week, Global's Make Some Noise, and NCVO logos.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Giant bubbles. Rainbow tutus. Unmasked joy. 💜 This is what belonging looks like and right now, every donation to AGN up to our target is doubled for this week only - bit.ly/scwbg @postcodelotteryuk.bsky.social @biggive.bsky.social @ncvo.bsky.social #BigGive #SmallCharityWeek

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Finding people who understand your experiences can change everything. During Small Charity Week, donations up to our Big Give campaign target are doubled, meaning twice the impact. Double your difference now bit.ly/scwbg #SmallCharityWeek #DoubleTheDifference #BigGive

Purple campaign graphic from Autistic Girls Network featuring the quote: "It has been so empowering for her to meet other people who face similar challenges to her and to be able to spend time with them in a safe and nurturing space." The words "Double the difference" appear below. Small Charity Week, Global's Make Some Noise, and NCVO logos are displayed at the bottom.

Light background campaign graphic from Autistic Girls Network featuring a quote from an autistic young person: "I really like going to the group. I like being with girls that have similar experiences to me at school etc and it's good to be able to talk to them about stuff and they understand, even if I've had a bad day I know that I can go the group and not be under any pressure to talk if I don't want to/can't but also that I can share if I feel like I can."

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