An afternoon with Jen Staunton; Recognising and supporting autistic girls in early years
Biography
Jen Staunton is a specialist SEND teacher, former Early Years Ofsted Inspector and author with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. She specialises in supporting autistic children and helping practitioners recognise presentations of autism that can easily be overlooked, particularly in girls. Jen is the author of 'I Am Autistic & Fabulous!', an affirming book for young autistic girls, and writes and delivers training on neuro-affirming practice and supporting autistic girls in education.
Session overview
Autistic girls can sometimes present differently from the picture practitioners traditionally associate with autism, meaning their needs may be overlooked in Early Years settings.
Early recognition matters. When a child’s needs remain unseen, she may spend years working increasingly hard to cope, adapt and mask her difficulties, without the understanding or support she needs. This can have a significant impact on wellbeing, self-esteem and her developing sense of self.
In this practical session, Jen will explore some of the subtle ways autism may present in young girls, including masking, differences between home and nursery, social and play patterns, sensory and emotional clues, and the hidden effort that may sit behind a child who appears to be coping.
Practitioners will leave with practical strategies to help them notice patterns earlier, stay curious, listen to families and make supportive, neuro-affirming adjustments without waiting for a diagnosis.
The aim is not for Early Years practitioners to diagnose autism but to help them notice, understand and support children sooner because being recognised and understood early can make a profound difference to a child’s experience as she grows.
Practical takeaways
- Understand why early recognition matters and the potential longer-term impact when autistic needs remain unseen.
- Recognise some of the less obvious ways autism may present in young girls.
- Understand masking, hidden effort and why a child may appear very different at nursery and at home.
- Notice subtle patterns across social interaction, play, sensory processing and emotional regulation.
- Look beyond what a child appears able to do and consider what it may be costing her to cope.
- Know what to do when patterns begin to emerge, including listening carefully to families.
- Make practical, neuro-affirming adjustments without waiting for a diagnosis.
Agenda
- Title: An afternoon with Jen Staunton; Recognising and supporting autistic girls in early years
- Start Time: 11/11/2026 13:00
- End Time: 11/11/2026 14:30
Price
£55.00
When
11/11/2026 - 11/11/2026
Registration Status
Not Registered
Remaining places
135
In stock
In stock