Abstract
The study of autistic girls varies considerably from autistic boys on whom most of the diagnostic and support literature is based. It would appear that this historic and androcentric approach continues to reflect the currently inaccurate prevalence rates for female autism. In some instances, girls receive a primary diagnosis of a learning difficulty which is ultimately masking underlying autism. The female presentation of autism remains largely unexplored, and in particular, the adolescent female perspective of the condition has had limited voice. Photovoice, a participatory arts based method, lends itself to the widespread adolescent use of smart phone technology among which is the use of cameras to document daily lives on social media. This type of informal documentary photography has been harnessed to provide insight to the underrepresented world of the autistic teenage girl and enlightens those parents and professionals wishing to support them. The research engages collaboratively with nine autistic adolescent females (11-18) in four post primary schools across Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photovoice is used to expose both the challenges and coping strategies adopted by these girls. The research culminates in three photographic exhibitions, at Queens University Belfast, the Stormont Assembly, the governmental seat in Northern Ireland, and finally, the Belfast International Arts festival as the residing three-week exhibition of the University of the Atypical, part of the Arts and Disability Research Forum. The Photovoice is then used to inform practice and training across education in Northern Ireland.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Learner Diversity and Identities
KEYWORDS
Autism, Neurodiversity, Girls, Female, Photovoice
