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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 1d

Big Give’s women & girls match fund is LIVE and matching your donations this week. Your £10 turns into £20, £50 into £100. Let's come together and support! https://bit.ly/AGNBIGGIVE #WGMF @biggive.bsky.social

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 1d

Dyslexia isn’t just about difficulties with reading or writing, it’s also about unique strengths in creativity, communication, and problem-solving. Understanding both sides helps us create environments where dyslexic learners can truly thrive. #DyslexiaAwareness

Dyslexia can be - Enhanced problem solving skills. Difficulties around reading & writing. Big picture thinking. Difficulties around maths & reading maths language. Strong narrative reasoning. Difficulty interpreting body language. Good at identifying patterns. Difficulty processing a string of instructions. Talented in oral communication. Organisation difficulties. Creative.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 2d

Our peer support groups provide safe, affirming spaces where autistic girls can connect & thrive. From 8–15 October, your donation is DOUBLED thanks to the Big Give, meaning you can make twice the difference in helping us take peer support to even more autistic girls. https://bit.ly/AGNBIGGIVE

Many autistic girls have never met another autistic girl. Together, we can change that. Women's and girls match fund. The Big Give.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 3d

We want to be able to offer this experience to even more autistic girls, especially those in the most isolated areas. You can help! Donate via the @biggive.bsky.social before noon on the 15th your donation will be DOUBLED! 👉 https://bit.ly/AGNBIGGIVE #WGMF

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 5d

What we see on the outside doesn’t always reflect how someone feels inside. We work to create safe spaces where individuals are able to unmask if they wish and educate about differences in being and communicating.

Graphic showing a happy face in amongst a pile of sad faces. Overlaid text reads - When masking, a child can be smiling while feeling worried. So we can’t assume or teach that a person is happy just because they are smiling.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 6d

Many areas have very few provisions for autistic girls, esp rural communities. By raising £10k, we can launch 2 in-person peer support groups in Cornwall, providing safe spaces for connection. Every donation made here https://bit.ly/AGNBIGGIVE between 8–15 Oct will be DOUBLED. #WGMF

We are taking part in the BigGive Women & Girls Match Fund! See the caption to find out why and what we’re planing to do.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 7d

We are looking for a group facilitator for a brand new face to face group for girls and non-binary young people in Bradford-on-Avon. Read more here - https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/vacancies/ If you are interested contact [email protected]

Vacancy! Join our team - group facilitator.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 8d

We’re proud to have been selected to take part in the Big Give. Starting 8th October, for one week only, every donation you make will be DOUBLED. Spread the word, and join us here on the 8th to help us make BIG change! Find out more at @biggive.bsky.social & https://bit.ly/AGNBIGGIVE #WGMF #BigGive

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING! 08.10.25. Women & Girls Match Fund. BigGive.
Join us on the 8th October to make change that goes even further.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 9d

Join us to discover practical ways to co-regulate with your young person in those tricky moments, helping them feel safe, supported, and understood. Together, we’ll explore how small shifts can bring more calm, connection, and confidence to your whole family. Book - https://bit.ly/AGNFWCE

Autistic Girls Network Family Workshops - Co-regulating Emotions. 30th September | Online | 7pm-8pm.

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 12d

Our CEO, & founder of The Haven, Cathy spoke with Ben at The Hidden 20% about autism, advocating, better education, & visibility. This conversation busts myths, challenges stigma, & shines a light on the experiences of autistic girls and non-binary young people. https://bit.ly/CWHidden20

Image of AGN CEO Cathy Wassell. Overlaid text reads - The Hidden 20%. Cathy Wassell. Episode live now.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 14d

Autism is not a problem to solve or a disease to cure. It’s a way of being and experiencing.
When we embrace neurodiversity, we create a world where everyone belongs.

The autistic experience is just as human, valuable, and valid as any other.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 16d

For autistic girls, simply showing up can mean battling fear, panic, and exhaustion. What they need most isn’t punishment, it’s kindness, and understanding of the resilience they've already shown before the school day even begins.

If you could go back to your childhood,
what would you say to your teachers? "Don’t tell me off for lateness in front of everybody, or at all. Be glad that I was able to overcome my fear and panic today and welcome me. I do not like being singled out." Violet.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 19d

Autistic people supporting autistic people. That’s the power of peer support, and with £500, a neurodivergent person can gain the qualification to make it happen, creating lasting change for them and those they support. Every gift changes lives, donations can be made here https://bit.ly/DonateAGN

£500 supports a neurodivergent person to gain a qualification as an autism peer support worker.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 20d

Chat with us about all things Autistic Girls Network and The Haven! Find out more over at www.https://tessendshow.co.uk/

We're exhibiting. Come & meet us at TES SEND Show 2025! Stand: E23. 10-11 October 2025. Business Design Centre. Register for free tessendshow.co.uk

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 23d

Join friend of AGN, @petewharmby.com , to explore the many ways that workplaces can be more autistic-affirming, enabling autistic employees to thrive. Book your place here - https://bit.ly/PWAWevent

17th September 2025. 7pm-9pm on zoom. £20. Online seminar and discussion. Pete Wharmby. An online event where I discuss the finer points of being autistic in the workplace, and consider ways that things could be improved. Perfect for people who want to increase their understanding of either their own, or someone they know's, autistic experience at work. Open Q&A for all. 20% of sales donated to Autistic Girls Network.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 26d

Helen’s words are a powerful reminder: even in a system not built for every child, one teacher can make a world of difference. What would you tell your teachers if you could go back to your childhood?

If you could go back to your childhood, what would you say to your teachers? You are in a difficult situation in a system not built to support individuals but you can make a huge difference. Helen.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 27d

When neurodivergence goes unrecognised, the impact can be profound. Learn more about how we create safe, inclusive spaces over on our website.

What can happen when neurodivergence isn’t recognised. Feeling isolated and excluded. Harder to engage with education. Difficulty developing a sense identity. May be offered therapies that are inappropriate. May feel forced to mask. May develop unhelpful coping strategies. Poor self esteem. More likely to experience mental health problems. Being misunderstood.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · 28d

Our CEO and founder of The Haven, Cathy Wassell, explains what makes The Haven different.

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Sep 8

It's our learners' first day at The Haven!
We have planned for a trust-building, connection-making week and we're so excited to welcome everyone!
If you have talked to us already, we'll honour your place but otherwise we are full and will be next onboarding in January.

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Sep 4

Hormones can profoundly affect autistic & ADHD women, from puberty to menopause, with higher risks of PCOS and severe symptoms. Yet research ignores this. We must demand healthcare that recognises neurodivergent women’s needs and takes their health seriously. read more - https://bit.ly/AGNhormones

Approximately 92% of autistic women meet the diagnostic criteria for PMDD. Obaydi and Puri (2008).

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Sep 3

“Life-changing.” That’s how our mentees have described the impact of our mentoring programme, for them and their families. With your support, more young people can access this transformative service. Every donation makes a difference. 💜https://www.justgiving.com/charity/autisticgirls-network

£60 pays for an autistic young person to access a one-to-one mentoring session.

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Sep 2

The back-to-school transition can be overwhelming. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies to work with school on reasonable adjustments, help manage anxiety, support executive functioning challenges and much more. Watch back whenever it suits you - https://bit.ly/AGNfamws

A young girl walks through a high school corridor. Overlaid text reads - Back to School workshop, including practical tools for working with schools on reasonable adjustments.

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Sep 1

Our Youth Advisory Board has officially met for the first time! Made up of 25 incredible neurodivergent young people, the board will play a key role in shaping AGN and The Haven's work, ensuring neurodivergent youth voices are always at the heart of what we do.

What did we talk about at our first Youth Advisory Board meeting?

Image of Karen Cowan Overlaid text reads - Getting views on the current onboarding process for The Haven.

Image of Claire Grayshan Overlaid text reads - Gathering input on how Autistic Girls Network can create a space for young people to connect.

autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Aug 30

We’ve spotted the first AGN Christmas card orders coming in this week! But it’s not just festive cards you can buy through Make A Difference Cards to support us. If you’re not ready to think about Christmas just yet, you can still support AGN when shopping for other other special occasions.

Image of celebration cards for different occasions. Overlaid text reads - Cards that make a difference. Choose from over 850 designs, personalise and buy as cards or ecards at Making A Difference Cards. Every card purchased supports us!

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autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social · Aug 29

For many neurodivergent people, what may appear to others as small rejections or criticisms are intensely painful. Find out more about RSD and explore support for neurodivergent young people over on our website.

Image of a young girl looking deep in thought with her head down. Overlaid text reads - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Seeing neutral reactions as criticism. Constant need for reassurance. Catastrophising. Perfectionism. Intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection. Defensiveness. Intense shame or guilt over minor criticism. Avoiding situations due to fear of potential rejection. People pleasing. Negative self talk. Withdrawing from social situations.

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