ABSTRACT

This UK study aimed to elicit parental voices and school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) views, to work towards a better understanding of sex-specific symptomology in females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and identify the special educational needs of these girls. SENCos in a small local authority (LA) were sent questionnaires investigating their understanding of ASD and girls. Data were collected from 53 SENCos across the LA. Parental views were explored through a group interview with three parents of girls with a diagnosis of ASD. Results indicate that SENCos have an understanding of male presentations of ASD but lack confidence in both identifying and supporting girls with ASD. Qualitative analysis revealed the following key themes: inconsistent support, paucity of resources, parental emotion and parental initiative. Findings suggest there is a considerable gap between the needs of girls with ASD and current levels of understanding and support within educational settings.

摘要

这项英国研究旨在引起家长的声音和学校特殊教育需求协调员（SENCo）的观点，以努力更好地了解患有自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的女性的性别特定症状，并确定这些人群的特殊教育需求女孩们。向地方小机构（LA）的SENCos发送了调查表，以调查他们对ASD和女孩的了解。从整个洛杉矶的53个SENCo收集数据。通过与三名诊断为ASD的女孩父母进行小组访谈，探讨了父母的观点。结果表明，SENCos对ASD的男性表现有所了解，但在识别和支持ASD女孩方面缺乏信心。定性分析揭示了以下关键主题：支持不一致，资源匮乏，父母情感和父母主动性。