Pen Green Centre for children and their families

Autistic girls can sometimes be harder to recognise in the early years. They may be sociable, chatty, imaginative and keen to make friends, while their differences and the effort involved in navigating everyday situations can be less obvious to the adults around them.

This practical webinar explores why autistic girls have historically been overlooked and what autism may look like in an early-years setting. We will consider masking and less visible presentations, communication and play, friendships, sensory and emotional regulation, and why a child may appear to be coping in nursery while struggling elsewhere.

Using a neurodiversity-affirming approach, the session will help practitioners look beyond the obvious, become curious about the children who make them wonder, listen to families and identify practical ways to create environments where autistic girls feel understood, supported and able to be themselves.