I Am Aspiengirl: The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Females on the Autism Spectrum

This book explores the female profile (phenotype), including sub-types, in toddlers to late teenagers, who are on the Autism Spectrum. Written by 2016 & 2015 ASPECT Autism Australia National Recognition Award Nominee (Advancement Category), for advancing the field of female Autism, Tania A. Marshall's first book in a series entitled, I Am AspienGirl © showcases the unique characteristics, traits and gifts of young females on the Autism Spectrum. I Am AspienGirl was awarded a 2015 eLIT Gold Medal Award. Presently, there is a female Autism crisis including: a gender bias, a lack of research, , assessment tools, intervention and skills acquisition tools, specifically researched and designed for girls. This book explores the female profile (phenotype), including sub-types. Have you ever wondered why she says she feels different to her peers? Wondered why life seems challenging for her? Her peers seem to gracefully and naturally meet their milestones, yet she has reached some developmental milestones early and some late. She may have spoken and read early, asking an endless array of questions. Maybe at age four she was teaching herself to read as you drove down the road by reading street signs. She may have been an overly active child, had sensory issues, or had a speech delay. You knew she was bright from early on, with a sprinkle of some anxiety, social and eating issues, yet the professionals just cannot find an explanation that completely fits her. She may be very artistic, whether she sings, draws, paints, or writes, at times, too mature for her age. Yet, she struggles socially and emotionally, acting and appearing younger than her peers. She may be ten years old now, yet none of your research completely fits her or maybe you have just now come across some information on females that completely makes sense to you. Maybe she is "Aspien", a young female with Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. She has a unique constellation of super-abilities, strengths and challenges. She may feel or say that she is from another Planet, Planet Aspien®. If you are looking for a book on the often perplexing and unique female Autism Spectrum traits, then this is the book for you.
This book was written for three kinds of readers. First, I wrote this book for females, who themselves may identify with some or all of the characteristics; who may be self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed. Second, the book is for those that support females on the Spectrum; their family members, their carers, teachers or friends; and thirdly, for professionals (teachers, preschool staff, school counsellors, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, paediatricians), to become more familiar with the common, and at times subtle, presentations
and to possibly aid in screening and better diagnostic processes.

I wrote this book to help spread awareness of this unique set of personality traits, preferences,
characteristics, strengths and challenges. This book is the first in a series, designed
to contribute to awareness and education. On each page, you will find a quotation directly from an AspienGirl® that illustrates a characteristic or trait, a photograph illustrating the trait and lastly, a quotation from a parent, teacher, family member or professional. Each picture has two different voices that both describe each characteristic and contribute to making a powerful visual description. Occasional quotes may be from AspienWomen reflecting on their younger years.

The traits in this book are not reflective of every person on the Spectrum and not every individual will have every characteristic listed. The words "aspie", "aspire", "autie", "aspiengirl", "aspienwoman", "aspergirl","asperwoman", and others, are all terms
used affectionately within the Autism Community.

Watch for Spanish and Italian versions and the sequel "I am AspienWoman", coming October, 2014.