Why So Many Autistic Girls Are Missed — and How We Can Help Them Thrive
Cristina Russo Cristina Russo

Why So Many Autistic Girls Are Missed — and How We Can Help Them Thrive

we meet many families who say, “We always knew something was different — but it took years for anyone to listen.”
This is an all-too-common story for autistic girls.

Why Autistic girls are often missed

Autistic girls are just as likely to exist as autistic boys — but they’re diagnosed much later on average. That’s because the “typical” picture of autism was built around boys. The result? Many girls fly under the radar for years.

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5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School for Your Neurodivergent Child
Cristina Russo Cristina Russo

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School for Your Neurodivergent Child

If you're the parent or carer of a neurodivergent child — whether they're autistic, ADHD, PDA, or simply beautifully wired in their own way — choosing a school can feel like stepping into a job interview you didn’t ask for.

Will this place truly see and support my child — or just try to make them fit in?

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What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirming?
Cristina Russo Cristina Russo

What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirming?

Neurodivergent children, for example those with ADHD or autism, have a brain structure and chemistry that is fundamentally different from typical brains (or neurotypical brains). Navigating the healthcare system for a neurodivergent child, whether they are autistic, have ADHD, or face specific learning differences, can be challenging. Often, traditional assessments and therapies are designed to "correct" neurodivergent traits, focusing on perceived deficits rather than celebrating the child's unique strengths.

At Hi Thrive, we are committed to a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

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