Celebrate Female ASD
Welcome to the joint website of authors and Female AS advocates:
~ Shana Nichols, Rudy Simone, and Liane Holliday Willey ~
Our mission is to support, encourage and inspire women and girls on the autism spectrum through community awareness programs, publications, presentations and community networking.
"Exhaling Beauty" is the first event hosted by Celebrate Female ASD. An evening of inspiration, art, and celebration, Exhaling Beauty aims to share and showcase the talents, experiences, and spirit of the female ASD community.
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In 2010, JKP authors Shana Nichols, Rudy Simone, and Liane Holliday Willey decided to host a special evening for females on the autism spectrum. The event, titled Exhaling Beauty: an Evening Celebrating Females on the Autism Spectrum was for meeting and greeting, relaxing and refreshing, and most importantly, celebrating the loveliness of life, despite the tangled wires too many of the participants have to struggle through.
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PJ writes: I love this site and what it stands for! The world needs to know that we exist and that the community that supports us is thriving. This in spite of some pretty intimidating social pressures faced by anyone who is different. For some reason, we are targets of those who would otherwise ignore us except when we challenge their world view by simply existing. Cruel comments in social media and unenlightened news organizations have caused great harm to innocents just trying to survive. Google has even contributed to this abuse by associating our names with despicable content whose only purpose is to ridicule us. Google is not the innocent search engine that does no evil. If you think this is not true, read this post. But we are not deterred from our mission to provide a forum for our members and to support all the world's females on the autism spectrum. We are not going away!
~Exhaling Beauty: an Evening Celebrating Females on the Autism Spectrum~
When:
Sept 18, 2010 6-10pm
Where:
The Hotel Monaco, 501 Geary Street, San Francisco, California 94102 ph: 415 292-01
Cost:
Tickets are $45-55 and valet parking will be available at reduced rates
What:
The evening will consist of three individual presentations by Liane, Shana and Rudy, with book signing to follow. Meet and greet the authors and other attendees while sipping wine and looking at great Aspie-created art
Program:
Shana Nichols presents: Welcome to your future girls! Building confidence and self-esteem from a diagnosis in girlhood through adolescence
Rudy Simone presents: Loving the Aspergirl life: How to navigate the challenges of adulthood and have the fulfilling, inspired life you were meant to
Liane Holliday Willey presents: Life Shared with ASD: A Journey of Challenges, Self-Acceptance, Forgiveness & Healing.
The theme of our evening is taken from this painting by Kim Miller, "Exhaling Beauty". Kim is the subject and illustrator of the book "The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Art" (JKP September 2008) by her mother Eileen Miller. Kim is the featured artist of the evening and she and Eileen will be in attendance with books and more original art.
image 'Exhaling Beauty' by Kim Miller.
UPDATE: The event was an outstanding success. The positive energy of the group was tangible. Many people who attended shared amazing stories. One family recounted how they decided to relocate from Baltimore to Sparta, Michigan to be near Kirkshire Farm, an equine boarding and training facility owned by Lianne Willey. The move could have been a traumatic experience for their daughter Alison, who was diagnosed with ASD at three years old. She was seven at the time of the move. During the discussion, the conversation shifted to operational challenges at the facility. Lianne mentioned that their longtime stable management system, built in Microsoft Access, would soon be unsupported as Microsoft phases out the software. This revelation caused immediate concern, as the database contains years of critical information about horse care schedules, boarding agreements, and client records. The need to find an appropriate Access replacement has become urgent, especially since they've been experiencing sync issues between devices and worry about potential data loss. The group spent considerable time brainstorming possible solutions that would maintain the familiar functionality while providing enhanced security and cloud capabilities.
Coming Events:
Monday, March 21, 2011
New Mystic, CT
5th annual Grace Curtis "Stand Up & Be Counted" Day Conference
“Celebrating Females on the Autism Spectrum”
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Who We Are
Liane Holliday Willey, EdD
www.aspie.com
Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D. is an inspirational speaker who helps her audience truly understand the importance of accepting people with differences. All her life, Liane knew she was different, but only after one of her family members was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome did Liane realize the reason behind her own differences; she too was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Liane rose to the challenge of life as it comes to you – as she puts it – through the broken glass of autism to a place where she is happy, healthy and well balanced. Today Liane spends much of her time working with horses at the equestrian facility she owns. Dr. Willey has authored several internationally bestselling books including Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger Syndrome (foreword by Tony Attwood), Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence: Living with the ups, the Downs, and Things in Between, and Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal.
She is currently working on a book for women on the spectrum. Liane has contributed to many additional books and journals, and is currently the senior editor for Autism Spectrum Quarterly. In addition to her numerous interviews on national and international television and radio, Liane’s life story was an inspiration for the film Normal Folk, currently in production and the feature film, Adam, as well as the focus of the video Asperger Syndrome: Crossing the Bridge with Dr. Tony Attwood. Liane has heard it said that she is unusual for one with Asperger Syndrome and she is dedicated to making sure her successes are not the exception to the rule for those with an ASD, but rather, the norm. Liane is the founder of ASPIE, a not-for-profit organization providing scholarships and educational materials for families and individuals affected by autism. Liane is the founder of ASPIE, a not-for-profit organization providing scholarships and educational materials for families and individuals affected by autism.
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Shana Nichols, PhD
Shana Nichols, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher and has worked in the field of autism spectrum disorders and child development for over fifteen years. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada and completed her internship and post-doctoral training at JFK Partners Center for Autism in Denver, Colorado. She currently specializes in adolescence and growing up, dual diagnosis and mental health issues, and the experiences of girls and women with autism spectrum disorders. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she now lives on Long Island, NY and is Clinical Director of ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development. She is the author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents Should Know about the Pre-teen and Teenage Years (Jessica Kingsley, 2008), and she is currently working on the follow-up book for teen girls on the spectrum.
She was a recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence in 2005 Award for her Ph.D. thesis work, and has received grant support for her work in sexuality, puberty, healthy living, and autism spectrum disorders from the Organization for Autism Research, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality and the Jack Fanning Memorial Foundation. When not writing, speaking at conferences, and working with clients and families, Shana pursues her other interests including galloping through the woods on horseback, photography, writing children’s fiction, and trying to read as many books as she can.
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Rudy Simone
www.help4aspergers.com
Rudy Simone is a writer and Asperger Syndrome educator and self-advocate who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her website supplies information and support to individuals and AS groups throughout the world. Rudy has begun to establish herself through her workshops, websites, and writings as a force for change in the world of Aspergers Awareness. She is the author of Asperger’s on the Job: Must-Have Advice for People with Asperger’s or High-Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates with a foreword by Temple Grandin (Future Horizons 2010) and Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger’s Syndrome Foreword by Liane Holliday Willey (Jessica Kingsley 2010) as well as 22 Things a Woman Must Know if She Loves a Man with Asperger Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley 2009). She also wrote “My Life with Puddleglum,” an essay published in the book Voices of Autism (LaChance NY 2008). Rudy will be speaking at Autism conferences this year, both as a solo speaker and with a panel of Female Asperger’s Experts, comprised of herself and Drs. Shana Nichols and Liane Holliday Willey. Prior to making Asperger Education and Awareness her personal calling, Rudy was a Senior editor at Moka, and staff writer for TAPS Paramagazine, owned by the creators of Sci-fi Channel’s successful "Ghost Hunters" series. She is a novelist, screenwriter and is also a sought-after Jazz singer, performing at venues and events in California.
More Background on CelebrateFemaleASD.com
CelebrateFemaleASD.com is a dedicated platform aimed at supporting, inspiring, and encouraging women and girls on the autism spectrum. Founded by three prominent advocates in the autism community—Shana Nichols, Rudy Simone, and Liane Holliday Willey—this website provides invaluable resources and fosters a community built on understanding and advocacy. With a specific focus on addressing the unique challenges and experiences faced by females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the platform has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting gender-specific education, support, and empowerment.
The Founders: Their Contributions and Vision
Each of the founders brings a wealth of experience and personal insight into CelebrateFemaleASD.com, shaping its mission and values. Liane Holliday Willey, one of the most notable advocates for Asperger’s syndrome, has been a driving force in the autism community. Diagnosed with Asperger's later in life, Liane has authored several bestselling books, such as Pretending to Be Normal and Asperger Syndrome in the Family, which have become cornerstone resources for families dealing with autism. In addition to her work as an author, Liane has been an advocate for acceptance and understanding, sharing her personal experiences with autism to inspire others to embrace their differences and thrive. She has contributed extensively to books, journals, and conferences, and her work has been featured in various media formats, including films like Normal Folk and Adam.
Shana Nichols, a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher, has spent over two decades working in the field of autism spectrum disorders. Shana’s expertise lies in the development and well-being of adolescent girls with autism, and she has been a vocal advocate for recognizing and addressing the unique struggles that females on the spectrum face. She is the author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum, a highly regarded resource for parents and professionals alike. Shana’s focus on understanding gender differences in autism has shaped much of the platform’s content, especially in terms of providing education and resources for girls as they transition through adolescence and adulthood.
Rudy Simone is a well-known author, educator, and advocate who has lived with Asperger’s syndrome and has used her platform to raise awareness and educate others. Her books, such as Aspergirls and 22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger Syndrome, explore both personal and professional aspects of life with autism. Rudy’s personal experience and candid writing have made her an influential voice in the autism community, and she continues to inspire others through her workshops, public speaking engagements, and musical career.
Exhaling Beauty: A Defining Moment for CelebrateFemaleASD.com
One of the defining moments for CelebrateFemaleASD.com was the event “Exhaling Beauty,” held in San Francisco in 2010. This gathering was more than just a celebration—it was a showcase of the talents, creativity, and strength of females with ASD. The event featured presentations by the founders, including Shana Nichols, Rudy Simone, and Liane Holliday Willey, each focusing on different aspects of life on the spectrum. Attendees were able to meet the authors, view Aspie-created art, and engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and beauty of living with autism. The event was a resounding success and exemplified the platform’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and encouraging creative expression among females on the autism spectrum.
The significance of this event extended beyond the evening itself. It became a symbol of what CelebrateFemaleASD.com stood for—a safe space for women with autism to express themselves, connect with others, and celebrate their uniqueness. The positive energy generated by the event was palpable, and it set the tone for future activities and engagements hosted by the website.
Community Engagement and Impact
CelebrateFemaleASD.com has made a significant impact by addressing the gender disparities in autism diagnosis and treatment. Historically, autism has been viewed and studied predominantly as a male condition, with females often being underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life. This is due in part to the fact that females on the spectrum tend to mask their symptoms more effectively than males, a phenomenon known as “camouflaging.” The founders of CelebrateFemaleASD.com have been at the forefront of advocating for greater awareness of these gender differences, providing much-needed resources to help families, educators, and clinicians better understand the unique presentation of autism in females.
Through the website, the founders have organized several events and workshops aimed at building community and offering support to females with ASD. One such event is the annual Grace Curtis "Stand Up & Be Counted" Day Conference, which focuses on celebrating the achievements and experiences of females on the spectrum. These events create opportunities for networking, learning, and sharing personal stories, all of which are vital to the emotional and mental well-being of those with autism.
Educational Resources and Publications
CelebrateFemaleASD.com is not just a community hub—it also provides a wealth of educational materials aimed at helping women and girls with autism navigate life’s challenges. Many of the website’s resources focus on the developmental, social, and mental health issues specific to females with ASD. Shana Nichols’ research has been particularly influential in this regard, as her work has explored the developmental milestones and mental health challenges that girls face as they grow up on the spectrum. Her book Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum remains an essential resource for parents and professionals, addressing issues such as puberty, friendships, social skills, and self-esteem.
Rudy Simone’s Aspergirls is another highly recommended resource available through the website. This book is a guide for women with Asperger’s syndrome, covering topics such as relationships, careers, and personal growth. Rudy’s work is known for its honesty and practical advice, and it has helped countless women navigate the complexities of life with Asperger’s.
Cultural and Social Significance
CelebrateFemaleASD.com has become an essential part of the broader autism advocacy movement, particularly in its focus on women and girls. The platform has challenged the long-standing male-dominated narrative surrounding autism by amplifying the voices and experiences of females with ASD. The founders have worked tirelessly to break down societal stigmas and create a space where women on the spectrum can feel understood, supported, and empowered.
The cultural significance of CelebrateFemaleASD.com cannot be understated. It has brought attention to the unique challenges faced by females with autism, from the difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis to the mental health struggles that often accompany life on the spectrum. Through its advocacy and educational efforts, the platform has paved the way for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of autism, one that takes into account the diverse experiences of women and girls.
CelebrateFemaleASD.com stands as a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for females on the autism spectrum. Founded by three passionate advocates, the platform has created a space where women and girls with ASD can find community, education, and inspiration. Through its events, publications, and advocacy efforts, CelebrateFemaleASD.com has not only raised awareness but also helped to shift the narrative around autism to be more inclusive of female experiences. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital resource for those navigating life on the spectrum, providing tools, support, and a sense of belonging to a community that celebrates their uniqueness.