Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I'm new to the forum...I've just got nowhere else to turn. My 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed on Tuesday by CAMHS. To say that I am devastated is an understatement. I feel embarrassed. I have tried over the years to encourage her to go to parties and be social, to take pride in her appearance and play nicely, but she crumbles in social situations, which has been very difficult for us as a family. I do not want her to be an autistic person. I just want my daughter to be like other children...the thought that she is different makes me shudder.
I'm sorry; I was planning to say far more but I just can't.
When you plan a baby this isn't what you expect, is it?
Scottish Autism had an online programme called Right Click and one version is specifically about women and girls. There is also a website called The Girl With The Curly Hair Project which is, unsurprisingly, created by a girl who is autistic. So there are two resources by or about girls. Right Click has various videos, so that could help you to see some real people without having to physically go out in public and meet people so hopefully it will help you counter some of your embarrassment.