We're busy putting the finishing touches to some our CPD certified training ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Our newest AGN volunteer is doing a great job of supervising, what's lacking in keyboard skills is more than made up for in cuteness! 🐶

Public conversation often focuses on barriers. But autistic girls & women also bring insight, creativity, deep thinking, & powerful perspectives that enrich our communities & workplaces. This blog post explores why these strengths deserve recognition, respect, & celebration. https://bit.ly/AGNSWblog

This thesis by our CEO, Cathy, explores the growing body of research highlighting the internal experiences of autistic individuals, particularly autistic girls & women, whose autism is frequently missed or misunderstood. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/downloads/

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate autistic girls and women. We celebrate their voices, their identity, and a future where autistic girls and women are recognised, supported and empowered.  #IWD2026

As SEND reform evolves, there’s a real risk that children who mask will be overlooked, despite carrying significant hidden anxiety & exhaustion. We believe true inclusion starts with emotional safety, so young people can unmask, belong, and be valued for who they are, not just how well they cope.

Inclusion cannot be conditional. We stand with families, practitioners and sector partners in calling for reform that is genuinely collaborative, evidence-informed and grounded in lived experience. SEND reform must strengthen inclusion, not redefine it out of reach.

Early recognition can make a huge difference. Dr Elizabeth Shea, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in food & eating issues, joined us to share guidance on recognising eating challenges (including ARFID) in young people and how to support them. 👉https://bit.ly/AGNEDarfid #EDAW2026

For many autistic girls, eating challenges are about sensory overload, anxiety, predictability and feeling safe, not weight or appearance. When support doesn’t “get it,” it can feel isolating. You’re not alone. Join our Facebook groyp for lived-experience support & understanding. #ARFID #EDAW2026

Challenges related to food are common among autistic individuals and can vary greatly in how they present. These are just a few examples of what some autistic people may encounter. For helpful resources on eating disorders head to @beatedsupport.bsky.social   #EDAW2026

In her powerful new piece, Hayley Graham shares why she wrote Other Wise Hearts, born from decades of being misunderstood, unheard, and unseen. Read the full blog to explore her journey and how stories can change the way we see ourselves and others https://bit.ly/AGNOWH

A huge thank you to Dr Emilia Misheva for generously donating 100% of royalties & library lending income to our charity. This book covers friendships, education, mental health & puberty, it blends lived experience with research in a clear, accessible way. 📚 https://bit.ly/AGNUnderTheRadar

BBC  and @thetimes.com  have leaked details of the SEND White Paper this morning. It signals major cuts to SEND support at secondary school. This ignores the evidence that this is a critical crisis point. We can't stand by and watch this happen.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week & Autism Awareness Week are almost here! If your organisation, school, or workplace is planning to mark these events, book now! Our sessions are designed to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and create meaningful change. 📩 Get in touch to book or learn more.

This Children’s Mental Health Week, we’ve highlighted the importance of mental health support for ALL children and that ALL children should be able to feel that they belong. Mental health is at the heart of the support we provide, help us continue this work bit.ly/DonateAGN #CMHW

So many are already doing these things to support their autistic young person. Sometimes it doesn’t feel enough, & sometimes it goes unseen, but it matters. Pass this to those in your child’s world, because greater understanding = safer, more supportive spaces for our young people. #CMHW

Too often, families tell us they’re turned away because they’re told things aren’t “bad enough” yet. For autistic girls, this delay can mean years of masking, anxiety, & unmet needs. Early support matters, because waiting for crisis is failure & our children deserve better. #CMHW

Misidentification can have serious consequences, including missed opportunities for appropriate support. Accurate autism identification can support self-understanding, belonging, empowerment, and the development of a positive autistic identity. @itsemilykaty.bsky.social #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek

Mental health support is about more than crisis response, it’s about connection, understanding, and belonging. For autistic girls, safe spaces, validation, advocacy & peer connection aren’t extras, they’re essential. Help us to keep providing these vital resources - https://bit.ly/DonateAGN #CMHW

This theme is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance & belonging. At our groups & across everything we do, the message is clear: This is your place. Here, you are accepted, valued, celebrated, & you belong. #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek 👉 @place2becharity.bsky.social

Parents of neurodivergent children juggle responsibilities that don’t fit neatly into office hours — extended hospital visits, constant vigilance, sudden changes. Flexible working isn’t special treatment; it’s recognising reality. Where possible, flexibility can be life-changing.

Flexible work isn’t a “nice to have”, for many neurodivergent people, it’s the difference between staying in work or being forced out. Explore our free resources via our website  - https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/workplace-corporate/

Why do experiences of unfairness stay stuck in our minds, and how can we protect our wellbeing while still honouring our values? This resource dives into how injustice sensitivity can be both a strength and a challenge for autistic people.  https://bit.ly/autinjustice

Neurodivergent young people face more barriers to communication. Digital AAC has transformed access, yet children are often expected to fail with traditional methods first. That’s outdated and exclusionary. Communication should be accessible from the start. @libbyhill1.bsky.social

Many autistic girls face friendship difficulties & subtle relational bullying that is easily missed. Support looks like helping them make sense of social situations, talking through next steps, & stepping in to advocate when environments aren’t safe.

School isn’t just “hard” for some autistic girls, it can be overwhelming in ways many people don’t see or understand. This thoughtful post explores why attendance struggles often stem from stress, sensory overwhelm and neurobiological responses, not behaviour issues. https://bit.ly/AGNrabp

2 members of our team will share their expertise at this event. Kirsten will be talking about school life, wellbeing & how we can create inclusive classrooms for autistic girls. Tammy will be discussing friendships, social dynamics & the ‘invisible’ social load. https://bit.ly/ALHtickets

Autistic girls and women are still too often misunderstood, overlooked, or unsupported. Our work centres on ensuring autistic girls and women are seen, heard, and supported through connection, education and support. Understanding = better support = better outcomes.

Charity partners can champion inclusion, awareness, education, advocacy, & make a meaningful impact. Partnerships aren’t just about funding, they’re about shared values, visibility, & long-term change. If you know a business that believes in doing business with purpose, let them know!

We are exhibiting at the Contact and National Network of Parent Carer Forums conference. Find out more about the event via @contactfamilies.bsky.social  Come along and have a chat with us!

The launch of Autistic Barbie has sparked mixed reactions. For some it brings joy and visibility; for others it feels limited or stereotypical. At AGN, it’s prompted thoughtful discussion — and that conversation may be its real value. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

These are just some of the reasonable adjustments schools can put in place to help make education more equitable for neurodivergent learners. Small changes can make a huge difference to an individual's experience. Get your free copy here bit.ly/AGNAdjustments

A £10 donation funds a place for an Autistic young person in one of our face-to-face support groups. Every single donation helps us expand the groups we can offer and the young people we can support. Donate here - bit.ly/AGNdonate

Tricky times with family / friends over the holidays? Our Understanding Autism booklet can be a great tool to use when having conversations with loved ones about why doing things differently isn't a preference but a need. https://bit.ly/undaut

“Self-care” advice often misses autistic individuals entirely. For us, self-care isn’t all bubble baths and candles, it’s boundaries, rest, regulation, and comfort. These aren’t things to be earned or explained, they’re wellbeing needs. What does realistic self-care look like for you?

As one year ends, we’re grateful for every voice shared, every story heard, and every moment of connection. Thank you to everyone who has been part of Autistic Girls Network this year. Here’s to 2026, moving forward together, always.

From understanding autism in girls & women to practical support, masking, identity, family conversations, and eating disorders, our YouTube channel has lots of helpful webinars to watch at your own pace absolutely free - https://bit.ly/AGNYT

Wishing a peaceful Christmas to all those celebrating with our very own Christmas card designed by the fantastic Bob London ❤️

This powerful blog post shares an honest journey of late diagnosis, the shock, the grief for what might have been, & the deep sense of understanding, self-forgiveness & hope that followed. Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/AGNAudhdjourney

AGN is exhibiting at includeED 2026! This national event brings together educators, professionals & organisations committed to inclusion & doing things differently. Come chat with us about neurodiversity, support, & how we’re making a difference with our online school, @thehavenonline.bsky.social

We visited a Lowestoft community church to dress a tree with the beautiful decorations the girls from our group have been making. We’ve felt so genuinely welcomed by our local community, it’s been really special to be part of it. You can spot our tree at the Kirkley Christmas Tree Festival 🎄

Talking with family and friends about what your family needs over Christmas isn’t always easy ❤️ We’ve put together some gentle, practical tips to help make Christmas more autistic-friendly for everyone. Have a read, and feel free to share with others who might find it helpful - bit.ly/AGNAFC

Movement for Good is an amazing programme that donates over £1 million every year to UK charities. By nominating, you give us a chance to support even more young people & families in our community. Nominate, & share with friends & family to boost our chances - https://movementforgood.com/

If you’re navigating a new diagnosis or simply want to better understand and support the autistic young people in your life, this is a brilliant place to start. https://uk.jkp.com/products/nurturing-your-autistic-young-person

Specialist schools: your staff know Autism & ADHD well, but with more girls entering settings—and often presenting differently—this training is designed to support you. We’ll explore internal presentations, emotions, alexithymia and the impact of masking. https://bit.ly/spschtrg

Movement for Good is an amazing programme that donates over £1 million every year to UK charities. By nominating, you give us a chance to support even more young people & families in our community. Nominate, & share with friends & family to boost our chances - https://movementforgood.com/

Give yourself the gift of guidance this December 🎁 Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person is just £3.99 on Audible from 1–8 December! Perfect for calm, clear support during the early days of a new diagnosis. Listen, learn, and feel understood. 💜 https://www.audible.co.uk/

You can make a difference! As a small charity with a big mission, your support means the world to us. Every single donation helps us expand the groups we can offer and the young people we can support. Donations can be made here - https://www.justgiving.com/charity/autisticgirls-network

At our online school, @thehavenonline.bsky.social  , we've created an empowering learning environment for teachers and learners alike. Our online learning space, facilitated by neurodivergent teachers, is specifically designed to be flexible for neurodivergent learners.

We didn't actually say the c word... but if you are looking for gift ideas for a special event that's coming up take a look in the AGN store for gifts that spread joy even further. 🎁https://bit.ly/AGN_shop

In her powerful new post, Lara Rodwell reflects on growing up as the quiet, high-achieving student & the emotional cost that came with it. A must-read for understanding hidden autistic struggles. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autism-and-loneliness-the-cost-of-being-the-quiet-good-student/