Giggles & Jiggles Speech Pathology

14/04/2026

Enquire via email
info@gjspeech.com.au

14/04/2026

Enquire via email
info@gjspeech.com.au

03/04/2026

Worst thing someone can say …. Be respectful and mindful of what others feel in that situation and don’t ever judge. That poor mother is doing her best!!

That sweet boy is overwhelmed by the task of shopping and just cannot keep his body calm in this situation, he is not being naughty he is just trying to help and is very impulsive which he cannot help due to his neurodivergence. At home and in his safe place I’m sure this child is calmer and following what is being said. The mother needs to expose him to these situations though so he can learn to cope and assist him through using his taught strategies by his therapists and parents to be able to adapt and cope when faced with shopping in future situations. If the mother never exposes him then how is he meant to learn.

So instead of judging and saying hurtful comments, help this mother and be kind.

Being a mother to neurodivergent children is one of the most rewarding but most exhausting tasks and this mummy is smashing it with her patience.

22/03/2026

Why Autism Masking is common in girls than boys?

Autism masking is more common in girls than boys because girls often present subtler symptoms, are more socially motivated, and face stronger cultural expectations to “fit in.” This leads them to consciously or unconsciously imitate neurotypical behaviors, which delays diagnosis and increases risks of anxiety, depression, and identity struggles.

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🔑 Key Reasons Girls Mask Autism More Often

1. Diagnostic Bias

• Male-centered diagnostic criteria: Most autism research and diagnostic tools were developed based on boys, so girls’ presentations are overlooked.
• Higher threshold for diagnosis: Girls often need more severe symptoms to be recognized as autistic.

2. Social and Cultural Pressures

• Expectation to be socially adept: Girls are often encouraged to be polite, cooperative, and relational, which pushes them to hide differences.
• Imitation and camouflaging: Girls consciously mimic peers’ behaviors (eye contact, smiling, small talk) to avoid standing out.

3. Different Symptom Expression

• Interests appear “typical”: While boys may obsess over trains or video games, girls may intensely focus on socially acceptable topics (fashion, animals, celebrities), which masks autistic intensity.
• Subtler repetitive behaviors: Girls may organize objects or quietly self-talk rather than overt rocking or hand-flapping.

4. Comorbid Conditions

• Anxiety and depression: Girls with undiagnosed autism often develop these conditions, leading clinicians to misattribute symptoms.
• ADHD misdiagnosis: Some autistic girls are first labeled with ADHD, delaying proper recognition.

Risks of Masking

• Exhaustion and burnout from constant effort to “act normal.”
• Loss of identity as girls suppress authentic behaviors.
• Delayed support leading to missed early interventions.
• Vulnerability to bullying or exploitation due to social naivety.

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🌱 Takeaway

Girls mask autism more because their symptoms are subtler, social expectations are stronger, and diagnostic frameworks are biased toward boys. This makes awareness crucial: educators, clinicians, and families must recognize that autism can look different in girls and provide early, tailored support to reduce long-term emotional and social risks.

25/01/2026

Amazing abilities

23/12/2025

Thriving kids program update

23/12/2025

15/12/2025

Hyperlexia

25/11/2025

🫶🏼

19/10/2025

09/10/2025

Types of play!

When you pick up your child from daycare and notice them in unoccupied play, onlooker play, or associative play, it doesn’t mean they’re lonely, being ignored, or that the teacher isn’t engaging them enough.

Just like adults, children don’t always feel like being social or active.

Sometimes, they simply want to watch, observe, or explore on their own, and that is perfectly okay. Observing the world around them is a beautiful and important way for them to learn, grow, and understand their environment.

So, what do these types of play mean?

Unoccupied Play:
Watching the world and not playing yet. It’s how kids start to learn.

Solitary Play:
Playing alone with toys. It helps kids focus and use their imagination.

Onlooker Play:
Watching others play without joining in. Kids learn by observing.

Parallel Play:
Playing next to someone but not together. It’s a step toward teamwork.

Associative Play:
Playing near others and sharing toys but not working together.

Cooperative Play:
Playing with others to reach a goal, like building or pretending.

It’s totally okay if kids like one type of play more than another. Every kind of play helps them grow and learn in their own way.

07/10/2025