Understanding the Enigma: Autism in Girls - A Conversation with Dr. Melody Abbene

<p>Today’s topic is one that many people don’t recognize or acknowledge: autism in girls. Autism seems to present differently and to be much more commonly diagnosed in boys, so let’s learn more with today’s guest.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Melody Abbene is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in working with neurodivergent people, most of whom are autistic. She does therapeutic work and adult autism assessments and is based in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Show Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li>The differences in autism that present internally (more common in girls) and externally (more common in boys)</li><li>Why girls with autism seem to blend in better with their peers</li><li>Where parents should begin if they suspect their child is neurodivergent</li><li>How parents can best communicate with the school team about the internal presentation of their child’s autism</li><li>How to tell that a child might have internalized autism</li><li>How “masking” is defined and described</li><li>Why girls are more likely to be labeled with emotional disturbances and misdiagnosed</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Links/Resources:</strong></p><p>Connect with Dr. Melody Abbene:<a href="https://laconciergepsychologist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Website</a></p><p>Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center:<a href="http://www.inclusiveeducationproject.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.inclusiveeducationproject.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you for listening!&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1307157016" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a>,<a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/inclusive-education-project-podcast/inclusive-ed