Vulnerability of autistic girls to mental health difficulties

Autistic girls can find it hard to navigate a changing and more complex social world once they transition from Primary to Secondary and their differences often become more apparent. This can elevate anxiety levels and may lead to mental health issues.  Difficulties with identifying and making sense of internal bodily sensations can leave autistic people feeling confused and make the world appear unpredictable. Daily stressors such as stigma and bullying or the difficulties associated with sensory sensitivities can also negatively impact mental health.

Positive interactions with parents/caregivers as well as school culture and neighbourhood experiences that foster a sense of belonging, connectedness and safety are associated with enhanced emotional wellbeing during adolescence.

Ways to support positive mental health for autistic girls

• Support the learner to develop a positive autistic identity
• Engage young people in extra-curricular activities to explore their interests and experience success
• A trusting adult to turn to when distressed
• Use positive classroom management strategies
• Effective relationships and behaviour policies
• Ensure young people feel safe in school
• Support positive peer relationships

Further support/resources

Universal

• Our Minds Matter is the overarching framework for supporting Emotional Wellbeing for all children and young people in Fife. More information can be found at the following webpage. Emotional wellbeing | Fife Council
• The CIRCLE framework is useful for looking at Universal Supports across the school. Ensuring the learning environment is inclusive can reduce stress, anxiety and dysregulation. CIRCLE | ThirdSpace
• All school can access professional development in the priority areas of Trauma Informed Practice and De-escalation Approaches. More information can be found here Core Professional Learning – Relationships, Behaviour and Wellbeing

Additional

• A range of supportive assessment and intervention tools can be accessed by speaking to your link Educational Psychologist (EP). These include: School Based Resilience Assessment Tool; Anxiety is Normal: Learn how to control it, Resource Pack; Coaching Conversations Pack.
• Your link EP can support through ‘No Names’ consultation about a range of wellbeing needs. You may decide together that a Request for Assistance for direct involvement is appropriate.
• The Neuro-Inclusive Practice Team are available to help with individual and whole school planning.
• Fife One Stop Shop can provide individual and group support for children, young people and their families. Fife One Stop Shop | Scottish Autism
• The Access Therapies website has links to a range of helpful online courses for parents and young people Access Therapies Fife NHS (scot.nhs.uk)
• The CAMHS website has ‘Things to try’ in relation to a range of wellbeing needs.  https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-service-camhs/ Consultation with the CAMHS Primary Mental Health Workers can also be arranged by phoning 01334 696019 or emailing  fife.camhs-pmhw@nhs.scot
• The Mood Café website has resources and information on mental health topics from NHS Fife Moodcafe 
• School counselling can be accessed by young people aged 10 upwards. Support for young people | DAPL
• Current supports for children and young people are outlined here Our Minds Matter – Mental Health Information for Young People Wakelet
• For parents and carers, the Our Minds Matter – Mental Health Information for Parents and Carers in Fife Wakelet has some helpful ideas, websites and information to help support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing.

Intensive

• It is likely at this intensive stage that specialist providers will work in partnership with existing supports identified through the Child Wellbeing Pathway. This would include NHS services such as CAMHS and specialist commissioned service.
• The CAMHS website has more information about their services and criteria Mental health – CAMHS services in NHS Fife | NHS Fife