Sixteen-year-old Niamh McCann is passionate about many things, including ballet, the plays of William Shakespeare, the environment and public speaking! 

Her talk looks at the challenges of the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum for girls. 

Niamh is a quiet, sensitive girl, who studied hard, got good grades and not one to cause trouble. She researched the reasons why girls on the spectrum are often misdiagnosed or have late diagnosis. Her hope is that through her talk and sharing what she has learned, all girls on the spectrum will feel freer to embrace who they are, and that those who are yet to be diagnosed are not afraid to do so. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Niamh McCann: "Copy & Paste": girls with Asperger's | Niamh McCann | TEDxDunLaoghaire

"Copy & Paste": girls with Asperger's | Niamh McCann | TEDxDunLaoghaire

"Copy & Paste’ - Hidden Asperger’s" - Girls with Aspergers

23% of girls with anorexia found to have autism, highlighting the urgent need for accurate diagnostic tools for Asperger's.

Autism is a spectrum of color, demanding broader, more accurate diagnostic tools to prevent girls from slipping through the net.

Masking autistic traits, Asperger girls subconsciously blend in, delaying diagnosis and complicating their mental health.