School can often be a traumatic experience for autistic children and young people. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly girls, go undiagnosed and lack the necessary support they need. This has led to low school attendance rates and a concerning decline in mental health.

As it’s Autism Acceptance Week, I am excited to welcome Emily Katy to our studio to share her incredible story and insights on 'Autistic Masking, School, and Mental Health'.

During Emily’s inspirational podcast she covers the following:

Her journey – undiagnosed autistic for nearly 17 years, challenges at school contributed to anxiety/OCD/depression leading to her being sectioned aged 16 on a children’s mental health unit.
Her experience of school as an undiagnosed autistic girl – masking, challenges in the environment.
What helped her at school – good teacher relationships, reasonable adjustments.

This discussion is a must-listen for anyone currently navigating a similar journey. Share this inspiring story far and wide, as it’s a beacon of hope for those who may be facing similar challenges.

“You were forced into the same environment every day, regardless of the effects that it has on you. I can't tell you how much better my life has been since I finished uni and have been in a stable job, the last year and a half has been the best year and a half of my life.”

Emily Katy

About Emily Katy

EMILY KATY, 22, lived as an undiagnosed autistic girl for nearly seventeen years.
After completing her degree in 2022, she qualified as a mental health nurse. She has a large, highly engaged following on Twitter and Instagram (@ItsEmilyKaty) and a blog www.authenticallyemily.uk, where she talks about autism and mental health.
Emily is a Trustee of the charity 'The Autistic Girls Network', a former Governor and member of the CAMHS young people's council for her local NHS trust, and in 2021 to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, she was selected by the Women of the World Foundation as one of their 2021 40 Young Leaders.
She lives in Hertfordshire with her family and two dogs, and loves books, writing, scrapbooking and Greys Anatomy.
GIRL UNMASKED is her first book.

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

Contact Emily

https://twitter.com/ItsEmilyKaty

https://www.instagram.com/ItsEmilyKaty/

www.authenticallyemily.uk

Useful Links

GIRL UNMASKED: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life

· B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

· Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

· Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk

· Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

The SENDcast is powered by B Squared

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.