What does neurodiversity mean?

Neurodiversity is a relatively new term, thought to have been coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer (an autistic individual, parent of an autistic child and Sociologist). It was originally used by the autistic community, who were keen to move away from the medical model and dispel the belief that autism is something to be treated and cured rather than an important and valuable part of human diversity.

The idea of neurodiversity has now been embraced by many other groups, who are using the term as a means of empowerment and to promote the positive qualities possessed by those with a neurodevelopmental difference. It encourages people to view neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia as natural and normal variations of the human genome. Furthermore, it encourages them to reject the culturally entrenched negativity which has typically surrounded those that live, learn experience the world in a particular way that is sometimes perceived as different.

What about Females and autism?

Girls difficulties are often unnoticed by teachers

DSM-5 requires extensive repetitive and ritualistic behaviors, which may exclude females who have all the other ASD characteristics.

The DSM-5 does not include the female presentation of autism.

What is MASKING?

• Cover up true self to appear normal to other people

• Mimicking others to appear less of an outcast

• Increases when around people they don’t feel comfortable or safe to be themselves with

What is CAMOUFLAGING?

Merging or blending into the background or surroundings. Not to be seen or stand out to other people. Used in social situations – may stand to the edge of the room in hope of not being noticed

IT STARTS WITH THE HEART provides female evaluations using NEW female focused, (2018) research based autism identifiers for girls, and (2020) for women, to identify the female autism profile.

1. Our evaluations for youth include: parent meeting to discuss your concerns, observations, interactions, and standardized identifiers. We then provide a written report that includes recommendations. Please contact us for current rates.

2. Our evaluations for adult women include: meeting with the adult female and significant family members or partners to discuss your concerns, observations, interactions and standardized identifiers. We then provide a report that includes recommendations. Please contact us for current rates.

1. Individual - $175.00/hour ; Individual or One-on-one sessions are available for those whose needs are best met through individual sessions.

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   All groups meet once a week for a one hour session. The last fifteen minutes of each session are spent with parents or partners to review the sessions’ strategies in order for at home, at work and in life carryover to occur.

2. Small Group (2)- $100.00/hour

3. Medium Group (3-4)- $85.00/hour

4. Family/Partner Sessions-contact us to discuss the number of family members/partners who will participate in the sessions.

We are excited to share our knowledge and experience through trainings that offer informational, motivational, and useful skills!

We offer full day and half day trainings. We’re ready to present to worksites/businesses, physicians, mental health providers, speech pathologists, and school districts. We will tailor our presentation to your needs.

Contact us for current rates.