Hendrickx has worked exclusively for 5 years in the field of autism before being diagnosed at the age of 43! She wrote this book specifically for females on the spectrum because they can present differently than boys therefore making it difficult to diagnosis.

It’s unfortunate that because many females are diagnosed later (average age is 8 but many aren’t until they are adults or never diagnosed) end up “struggling” through life because they do not understand neurotypical behavior & are often misunderstood themselves. They can mimic but it can be extremely exhausting. I can only imagine how stressful, anxiety-inducing and depressing it can be for someone with autism trying to figure out a neurotypical world.

I know of elementary teachers who do not understand that their female students could have autism & instead mistake their behavior for “bad” and take it out on the child. The child ends up fearing school. This becomes increasingly difficult as they get into high school and dealing with female friendships. Navigating this world seems daunting & Hendrickx describes that many as 50% of women with autism have depression & anxiety.
There were many points I took away from this book but what frightened me the most was how girls can be more easily coerced or forced into sex. They do not see the signs & may not be able to predict what a person will do at that particular moment. This is another population of female that are vulnerable.

This book covers many topics starting from infancy, childhood to adulthood, school, sexuality/gender identity and risk for sexual assault, employment, personal relationships and pregnancy.

I think this book would resonate with many autistic females. I would recommend to professionals & families who need insight into supporting women & girls with autism.

Young girls with autism need to know they do not need to fit in with conventional “norms” in order to be valuable & have a place in this world.