SPED*NET: Is She on the Spectrum? Identifying and Helping Girls with “Asperger’s” and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD)

Know any bright girls who are inflexible, argumentative, and emotionally over-reactive or who shut down at times? Who have been called oppositional, avoidant or attention-seeking? Who can’t quite fit in with peers? They may have “Asperger’s,” have NLD, or be on the autism spectrum.

A proper diagnosis allows us to better understand and help these girls, rather than blame them. Instead of constantly criticizing them, we can listen with an awareness of spectrum issues, understand and anticipate their needs, and provide the accommodations and environment that will help them better navigate the mainstream world. If the girls feel more accepted for who they are, they can have higher self-esteem and learn to advocate for themselves more successfully.

On Wednesday, Jan. 12, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom, licensed psychologist Marcia Eckerd, PhD, will discuss why girls are so often misinterpreted and underdiagnosed and why an accurate diagnosis is important for the girls themselves, educators, clinicians, and especially parents.

Please register by using the Website link.