Supporting Autistic and Gender-Diverse Students at School
This website provides a comprehensive and neuro-affirming guide to supporting autistic girls and autistic gender diverse youth at school. It has been developed by Yellow Ladybugs, with the support of the Department of Education Victoria, and in collaboration with the autistic community, including autistic young people, adults, teachers, psychologists and other allied health professionals.
About Yellow Ladybugs
Yellow Ladybugs is an autistic-led non-government organisation with strong connections to community. We are dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender-diverse individuals. Our work centres on recognition, belonging and agency, with particular attention to autistic experiences that are less visible or often misunderstood.
A Positive and Affirming Future
Creating greater awareness of the unique challenges autistic girls and gender diverse students face - both at school and at home - opens the door to better understanding, support and ultimately, to the improved educational, social and emotional well-being of these students. The current barriers our ladybug students experience are many and varied - but they can be addressed with deeper knowledge, more inclusive and neuro-affirming support systems, open and honest communication between schools and families, and strategies that encourage families and schools to work together towards positive outcomes. Teachers and supporting professionals can be powerful allies in helping autistic girls and gender-diverse young people feel understood, safe and accepted at school. School is an important step in the lifetime journey of autistic students. Having an affirming and validating educational experience can help provide the foundations for them to thrive.
Disclaimer: Yellow Ladybugs is committed to building an inclusive world for autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people, including non-binary and trans autistic people. We recognise and affirm all gender identities and expressions.