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Understanding Autism in Girls: Strengths, Challenges, and Support

Author: Maise Thompson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
5-7 min Read

Autism is a natural neurotype that shapes how individuals think, communicate, and experience the world. However, for years, autism has been primarily studied and diagnosed based on how it presents in boys. As a result, many autistic girls go unrecognised, often masking their differences to fit in. This can lead to missed support and unnecessary challenges.

This post explores autism in girls, celebrating their strengths while addressing the barriers they may face.

Why Is Autism in Girls Often Overlooked?

Historically, autism research and diagnostic criteria have been based on observations of boys, leading to a “male-centric” understanding of autistic traits. While some autistic girls display traits similar to boys, many present differently. Their differences often go unnoticed due to several key factors:

1. Social Camouflaging

Many autistic girls learn from an early age to mimic social behaviours—making eye contact, using rehearsed phrases, or imitating peers. While this helps them blend in, it can feel exhausting and unnatural. Over time, camouflaging can lead to mental fatigue and burnout.

2. Different Special Interests

Autistic individuals often have deep, passionate interests. While boys’ interests may align with common autism stereotypes (e.g., trains, mathematics, or mechanics), girls’ interests might appear more “socially acceptable,” such as animals, literature, or specific TV shows. Because their passions don’t always stand out as unusual, their autistic traits may be overlooked.

3. Strong Social Motivation

Some autistic girls are highly motivated to form friendships and develop strong social skills. However, this does not mean socialising comes naturally. Many rely on learned scripts or careful observation to navigate conversations, which can be mentally draining. They may also struggle with social nuances, leading to challenges in maintaining friendships.

4. Subtle Sensory Differences

While some autistic individuals display obvious sensory sensitivities (e.g., covering their ears in loud environments), autistic girls may internalise their discomfort. They might endure sensory overload without expressing distress outwardly, leading others to misinterpret their struggles or label them as “overly sensitive.”

5. Gender Bias in Diagnosis

Since diagnostic criteria were originally based on male presentations of autism, many professionals are less familiar with how autism manifests in girls. As a result, girls are often diagnosed later in life or misdiagnosed with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. This delay can lead to years of confusion and difficulty accessing the right support.

The Impact of Late or Missed Diagnosis

Many autistic girls are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Without an accurate understanding of their neurotype, they may experience:

1. Increased Anxiety and Burnout

The effort required to mask autistic traits can be mentally and physically exhausting. Many undiagnosed autistic girls experience chronic anxiety and, over time, autistic burnout—a state of extreme exhaustion caused by prolonged masking and social stress.

2. Difficulties with Identity and Self-Understanding

Without a diagnosis, many girls grow up feeling “different” without knowing why. They may blame themselves for their struggles, leading to self-esteem issues. A late diagnosis can be both validating and overwhelming as they work to unlearn years of internalised misconceptions.

3. Misdiagnosis or Incorrect Support

Instead of recognising autism, professionals may misinterpret an autistic girl’s struggles as symptoms of social anxiety, depression, or personality disorders. While these conditions can co-occur with autism, misdiagnosis often leads to treatments that do not address their underlying needs.

Strengths of Autistic Girls

While the challenges autistic girls face deserve recognition, it is equally important to highlight their strengths:

1. Deep Empathy and Emotional Awareness

Many autistic girls are deeply compassionate and form strong bonds with those they trust. They may be highly attuned to the emotions of others, sometimes to the point of absorbing others’ feelings as their own. This makes them excellent caregivers, advocates, and creative thinkers.

2. Creative Thinking and Unique Perspectives

Autistic individuals often excel in creative fields, problem-solving, and deep thinking. They approach challenges from unique angles and bring fresh ideas to various domains, from art and literature to science and engineering.

3. Passionate Interests and Expertise

Whether it’s an intense love for a specific topic or a talent in a certain field, autistic girls often develop profound expertise in their areas of interest. When supported, they can turn these passions into fulfilling careers and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Supporting Autistic Girls in a Neurodiversity-Affirming Way

Instead of focusing on “fixing” autistic traits, support should be about helping autistic girls thrive in ways that respect their neurotype. Here’s how:

1. Encourage Authenticity

Support autistic girls in embracing their true selves rather than pushing them to mask or conform. Autistic people thrive when they are allowed to express themselves without fear of judgment.

2. Create Safe and Understanding Spaces

Schools, workplaces, and social settings should accommodate sensory needs, communication styles, and emotional regulation strategies. This may include offering quiet spaces, using clear communication, and fostering inclusive environments.

3. Provide Strength-Based Support

Rather than focusing on perceived deficits, it is crucial to recognise and nurture strengths. For example, if an autistic girl excels in writing but struggles with verbal communication, encouraging her to express herself through writing can be empowering.

4. Validate Their Experiences

Recognising and respecting their struggles while affirming their strengths can help autistic girls develop confidence and self-acceptance. Parents, educators, and professionals should listen to and believe autistic girls when they express their needs and experiences.

Embracing a Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective

By shifting our perspective from “How can we make autistic girls fit in?” to “How can we create a world where autistic girls feel valued as they are?”, we can build a more inclusive and supportive society.

Autism is not a deficit—it is a different way of experiencing the world. And in that difference lies incredible strength, creativity, and resilience.

If you feel like you would like support for your daughter, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Supporting a Child’s Occupational Therapy Journey: A Guide for Grandparents and Family

By Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
5 min read

When a child is in occupational therapy, their journey isn’t just their own—it involves the whole family. Therapy helps children develop skills for daily life, such as coordination, sensory processing, and independence in activities like dressing, eating, and play.

As a grandparent or family member, you may wonder how to offer meaningful support. The good news is that your involvement—whether emotional, practical, or hands-on—can make a real difference. A neuro-affirming approach focuses on respecting each child’s unique strengths and needs rather than trying to “fix” challenges.

Here’s how you can help in a way that celebrates the child for who they are and supports their occupational therapy journey.

1. Encouraging Follow-Through at Home—With Flexibility

Occupational therapy sessions lay the foundation, but progress happens in daily life. Parents may have home-based activities from therapy, but with busy schedules, extra support is valuable.

How You Can Help:

  • Engage in activities the child enjoys—many therapy strategies can be built into play.
  • Ask parents how best to support rather than assuming what’s needed.
  • Focus on connection, not compliance—if a child resists an activity, respect their feelings and try a different approach.

For example, if a child is working on coordination, they might enjoy jumping, climbing, or dancing more than structured exercises. Letting them take the lead makes learning natural and fun.

2. Being an Emotional Anchor for Parents

Parenting a neurodivergent child or a child with additional support needs can be both joyful and exhausting. Many parents feel pressured to meet societal expectations that may not fit their child. A non-judgemental support system makes all the difference.

How You Can Help:

  • Listen with empathy—sometimes, parents just need a safe space to talk.
  • Offer practical help, like watching siblings or assisting with errands.
  • Avoid “fix-it” thinking—trust that parents and therapists know what’s best.

Even if you don’t fully understand OT or neurodivergence, simply being present and willing to learn shows parents they are not alone.

3. Learning About OT First-Hand

If the child, parents, and therapist agree, attending an occupational therapy session can help you understand how to support the child in daily life. Play-based therapy, sensory activities, and skill-building exercises might look different from traditional learning, so seeing them in action can be insightful.

How You Can Help:

  • Ask parents if you can observe a session or if they can share key takeaways.
  • Focus on understanding, not measuring progress—every child’s development is unique.
  • Respect the child’s boundaries—some children may feel uncomfortable with extra people in the room.

If attending a session isn’t possible, asking parents or the therapist for general guidance can still be helpful.

4. Creating a Supportive Home Environment

A child’s environment plays a huge role in their comfort and ability to engage in activities. Small adjustments can make everyday experiences more enjoyable.

How You Can Help:

  • Provide a welcoming space with familiar toys, quiet areas, or sensory-friendly items.
  • Be flexible with routines—some children thrive on structure, while others need more freedom.
  • Celebrate effort, not just outcomes—praising a child’s attempts helps build confidence.

Family gatherings and outings can sometimes feel overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Offering choices—like a quiet space to retreat to—can help them feel safe and included.

5. Respecting the Child’s Unique Way of Being

A neuro-affirming approach means embracing each child’s way of processing the world. Instead of focusing on making a child fit into typical expectations, support them in ways that honour their natural way of thinking, feeling, and interacting.

How You Can Help:

  • Avoid comparisons—every child develops at their own pace, and differences are not deficits.
  • Honour their sensory needs—some children seek movement, while others need quiet and predictability.
  • Let the child take the lead—allowing them to express themselves in their own way builds confidence.

For example, if a child prefers to communicate through gestures, pictures, or alternative methods rather than spoken words, support their way of expressing themselves rather than trying to change it.

Final Thoughts

Grandparents and extended family members can be a wonderful source of support in a child’s occupational therapy journey. Whether through emotional encouragement, hands-on help, or simply being present, your involvement matters.

The most important thing is to approach your role with patience, love, and an open mind. By working together as a family, you can create an environment where the child—and their parents—feel valued, accepted, and supported every step of the way.

Would you like more specific ideas based on your family’s situation? Let’s continue the conversation!

If you want to know how you or your family members can support your child’s Occupational Therapy journey, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Understanding Stages and Types of Play in Children

Author: Elise Foxall, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
5 min read

Play is at the heart of childhood development. It’s more than just fun—it’s how children learn, grow, and connect. For paediatric occupational therapists and families, understanding the stages and types of play provides insight into a child’s developmental journey. Let’s explore how play evolves and why each stage matters.

Why Is Play Important?

Play is essential for cognitive, social, and physical development. Through play, children explore their surroundings, practise new skills, and form relationships. For therapists, play is a powerful tool, offering a window into a child’s sensory, motor, and emotional needs while fostering meaningful growth.

Stages of Play

Play develops in predictable stages, though every child progresses at their own pace. Here’s an overview of the key stages:

  1. Unoccupied Play (Birth to 3 Months)
    Babies observe and move their bodies with curiosity, exploring how their limbs function and how the world feels. Though it seems passive, this stage lays the foundation for future play.
  2. Solitary Play (3 Months to 2 Years)
    During solitary play, children engage independently with toys, exploring textures, colours, and sounds. Parents can encourage this stage by providing safe, stimulating objects to spark curiosity.
  3. Onlooker Play (2 to 3 Years)
    In this stage, children observe others playing without direct interaction. They learn social cues by watching peers or siblings, building the foundation for later social engagement.
  4. Parallel Play (2.5 to 4 Years)
    Children play side by side but do not interact much. Parallel play promotes self-regulation and awareness of others’ presence, often observed in early group settings like preschool.
  5. Associative Play (3 to 5 Years)
    Children begin loosely interacting, sharing materials or ideas without a structured goal. Associative play nurtures social skills and fosters empathy.
  6. Cooperative Play (4+ Years)
    At this stage, children work together toward shared goals, such as in board games or group projects. Cooperative play reflects significant social development, including problem-solving and teamwork.

Types of Play

Different types of play support unique areas of development. Here’s how they benefit children:

  1. Physical Play
    Activities like running, climbing, or throwing develop gross motor skills, coordination, and strength. Physical play also supports emotional regulation by providing active sensory input.
  2. Constructive Play
    Building towers, crafting art, or solving puzzles enhances fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
  3. Pretend Play
    Role-playing and storytelling encourage language development, abstract thinking, and emotional expression. This type of play is particularly valuable for supporting social communication.
  4. Social Play
    Games like tag or hide-and-seek promote teamwork and social negotiation. Social play helps children navigate friendships and build resilience.
  5. Sensory Play
    Activities involving textures, sounds, or smells, like playing with sand, water, or slime, help children process sensory input. These activities can soothe or stimulate their sensory systems.

How to Support Play

Therapists and caregivers can foster meaningful play by:

  • Following the child’s lead: Let their interests guide activities.
  • Providing varied opportunities: Offer open-ended materials like blocks, dress-up clothes, or art supplies to spark creativity.
  • Creating a safe environment: Encourage exploration without fear of failure.
  • Engaging relationally: Join in when invited to strengthen connection and trust.

Neurodiversity and Play

Each child’s engagement with play is unique. Some children may prefer solitary or sensory play, while others thrive in imaginative or physical activities. Adopting a neuroaffirming approach celebrates individual preferences and adapts environments to support their success.

Final Thoughts

Play is more than just an activity—it’s a cornerstone of childhood development. By understanding the stages and types of play, therapists and families can nurture children’s growth while supporting essential skills.

Whether it’s through sensory bins, pretend games, or cooperative challenges, every moment of play helps children grow into confident, connected, and capable individuals. Let’s honour the power of play in fostering meaningful development.

If you feel like your child is struggling with play or social skills contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

The Harmonious Blend of Music and Occupational Therapy for Children

Author: Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

Music is a universal language that resonates with people of all ages, but for children, it holds a special kind of magic. In occupational therapy (OT), music can be an incredibly effective tool to engage young clients and support their development. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between music and OT for children, designed to bring the joy of music into therapy sessions.

The Role of Music in Occupational Therapy for Children

Occupational therapy focuses on helping children gain independence in daily activities, and music can play a significant role in this journey. Whether it’s improving motor skills, enhancing sensory processing, or promoting emotional well-being, music offers a fun and engaging way for kids to work on their goals.

For example, using rhythm can help improve coordination and timing, while melodies can aid in memory retention. Many children find music motivating, turning what might feel like hard work into an enjoyable experience. When kids tap their feet or sing along, they’re actively participating in their own healing and growth.

How It Works for Children

  • Sensory Integration: The tracks in the Therapeutic Listening program stimulate the auditory system in a therapeutic way. This can help children with sensory processing challenges become more aware of sounds in their environment, making it easier for them to interact with those sounds.
  • Emotional Regulation: Music can evoke powerful emotions. Using therapeutic music, children can explore and express their feelings in a safe environment, which helps them learn how to manage their emotions.
  • Social Interaction: Many activities incorporating the Therapeutic Listening tool are designed for group settings, encouraging social skills and peer interaction. Kids often enjoy making music together, which can strengthen friendships and improve communication.

How music can be incorporated into treatment to help children thrive

1. Drumming for Self-Regulation
Drumming activities are an excellent way to help children regulate their energy and emotions. By playing steady rhythms on a drum or percussion instrument, children can align their internal state with the beat. Therapists can adjust the tempo to either ground a child who is overstimulated or energise a child who is feeling sluggish. The predictable nature of drumming provides a sense of structure, helping children feel grounded and in control.

2. Movement Songs for Engagement
Songs that incorporate movement, like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” engage children’s bodies and minds. Adding props such as scarves or ribbons can make these activities even more fun and interactive. Movement songs promote motor coordination, body awareness, and listening skills, all while keeping children actively engaged in therapy.

3. Calming Playlists for Sensory Regulation
Carefully curated playlists can serve as powerful tools for sensory regulation. Calming music with slow tempos and soothing tones can help children settle during transitions or stressful moments. On the flip side, upbeat tracks can boost energy and focus when children need motivation. Using music as a sensory tool provides an immediate way to influence a child’s emotional and physical state.

Conclusion

Integrating music into occupational therapy for children is a powerful approach that can enhance regulation and engagement. So, whether you’re a therapist looking to make your sessions more engaging or a caregiver exploring ways to support a child’s development, consider the transformative potential of music in occupational therapy. After all, when it comes to healing, a little harmony can go a long way!

If you feel like your child is struggling with emotional regulation or engagement, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Why is Play-Based Therapy Important?

Author: Maisie Thompson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

Play is a child’s primary occupation. It’s how they explore and learn about the world, understand cause and effect, and develop their sensory systems. Play-based therapy is a structured yet free and intentional approach used by occupational therapists to help children achieve therapeutic goals while building connection and engagement. At MoveAbout Therapy Services, play-based therapy is at the heart of our approach, supporting one of our core values: We are Playful. Every day, we create new and exciting activities to encourage growth and development through play.

What is Play-Based Therapy?

Play-based therapy is a child-centred approach where therapists use play to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. By following the child’s lead, therapists create a joyful and safe space for growth through both structured and unstructured activities.

This method is particularly effective for children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, as it meets them where they are developmentally while fostering active participation. Common techniques include:

  • Role-playing
  • Storytelling
  • Creative visualisation
  • Sensory-motor activities
  • Imaginative play

Why is Play-Based Therapy Important?

Play-based therapy has a profound impact on children of all ages. Here are six key reasons why it is vital:

  1. Engages the Child’s Interests
    Play-based therapy captures a child’s curiosity, making therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable. Unlike more rigid approaches, play provides a natural and fun environment for learning and growth.
  2. Supports Holistic Development
    Play encourages simultaneous development of multiple skills. For instance, building a block tower enhances fine motor coordination, fosters social interaction when done with peers, and develops problem-solving skills.
  3. Facilitates Communication
    Play opens up opportunities for spontaneous communication, especially for children with speech or language challenges. Therapists can model language in real-time, helping children practice effectively.
  4. Builds Social and Emotional Skills
    Group play fosters skills like turn-taking, sharing, and social problem-solving. Pretend play, in particular, helps children process emotions and navigate real-life challenges in a safe, supportive context.
  5. Promotes Self-Regulation
    Play-based activities are ideal for developing self-control. For example, waiting their turn in a game or following rules helps children practice patience and manage their emotions.
  6. Aligns with Developmental Stages
    Play-based therapy is flexible, adapting to a child’s developmental stage and guiding them toward the next level of growth.

Applications in Occupational Therapy

Play-based therapy is a cornerstone of paediatric occupational therapy and is tailored to address diverse needs and goals. It supports children by:

  • Enhancing communication skills
  • Helping with sensory processing through exposure to various sensory inputs
  • Encouraging fine and gross motor development
  • Promoting emotional regulation and expression
  • Strengthening connection and social engagement
  • Achieving activities of daily living (ADLs)

The Power of Play

Incorporating therapeutic goals into play transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. Play-based therapy empowers children to build resilience, independence, and self-regulation while fostering joyful connections with others.

Whether it’s engaging in pretend tea parties, messy sensory bins, or constructing the tallest tower imaginable, play-based therapy reminds us that meaningful progress often begins with the simple act of play.

If you feel like your child would benefit from play based therapies, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding toilet training, sensory processing, and regulation.

Building Confidence and Independence in School Readiness

Author: Kim Berry, Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Clinical Manager
5 min read

As a paediatric occupational therapist, one of my primary goals is to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. School readiness goes beyond academic knowledge; it involves nurturing a child’s confidence and independence, which are critical for their overall development and success.

Why Confidence and Independence Matter

Confidence and independence are the building blocks of a child’s ability to navigate the world. When a child feels confident, they’re more likely to take on new challenges, interact positively with peers and teachers, and develop a love for learning. Independence allows children to take responsibility for their tasks, make decisions, and solve problems—skills that are vital for school and life.

Key Strategies for Building Confidence and Independence

1. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills

  • Allow Independent Problem Solving: Give children opportunities to solve problems on their own. Whether it’s figuring out how to open a snack or resolving a conflict, letting them try first builds their confidence in their abilities.
  • Collaborate on Problem-Solving: Work with your child on the first steps of a task but let them complete the final part independently. For example, help them put on their shoes but let them fasten the Velcro straps. This lets them experience pride in their accomplishment, preparing them for independence in a classroom setting.

2. Promote Self-Help Skills

  • Daily Routines for Independence: Routines like dressing, feeding, and hygiene provide perfect opportunities for children to practice independence. Start with small tasks and gradually increase complexity as they master each one. Celebrate their efforts to reinforce the importance of trying.
  • Create a Visual Schedule: Use visual aids to help your child follow daily routines. A chart showing steps for tasks like brushing teeth or packing a lunch helps them develop a sense of routine and independence, making it easier to manage tasks on their own.

3. Create a Supportive Environment

  • Set Up for Success: A child’s environment plays a big role in their confidence and independence. Make sure they have accessible tools and resources to complete tasks on their own. In a classroom, this could mean having visual schedules or organizing materials within easy reach.
  • Encourage Personal Ownership: Designate spaces or materials for your child, like a personal cubby for their school supplies. Managing their own space fosters responsibility and boosts their self-confidence.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

  • Encourage and Praise Efforts: Positive reinforcement builds confidence. Praise specific actions, such as “I love how you kept trying until you zipped up your jacket!” This boosts self-esteem and encourages independence.
  • Celebrate Successes: At the end of the day, highlight moments where your child demonstrated independence. For example, “I really liked how you asked Sarah to play at preschool today.” This reflection helps them recognize their growth.

5. Foster Decision-Making

  • Involve Your Child in Decisions: Give children small choices, like picking out their clothes or choosing a book. This helps them feel in control and teaches them to weigh options and make decisions.
  • Encourage Problem-Solving Choices: Offer opportunities for decision-making when solving problems. For example, ask how they want to organize their play area. This practice builds decision-making skills and reinforces confidence.

6. Model Confidence and Independence

  • Be a Role Model: Children learn by watching. Model confidence in your actions and show them how you handle challenges. When they see you approach problems positively, they’ll likely mirror that behavior.
  • Share Your Thought Process: Explain your decision-making steps to your child. For example, if you’re choosing a recipe, explain your thought process. This shows them how to approach decisions with confidence.

Practical Tips for Parents

Celebrate Effort: Focus on your child’s effort rather than just the outcome. This teaches them that trying is valuable, and failure is part of learning., knowing that your connection remains their anchor even when you’re apart.

Be Patient: Building confidence and independence takes time. Allow children to learn at their own pace and resist the urge to step in too quickly.

Offer Guidance, Not Solutions: When your child faces a challenge, guide them with questions rather than giving them the answer. This encourages critical thinking.

Building confidence and independence in children is an ongoing process that requires patience, support, and encouragement. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I see firsthand how these skills contribute to a child’s school readiness and overall development. By nurturing these traits early, we help children enter school with the tools they need to succeed, both academically and socially.

If you feel like your child is struggling with confidence and independence, or you are concerned about your child starting school next year, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.