Neurodivergence in girls/women

Facilitator(s): Pat Mirenda, Ph. D and Nicole Provost

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Date: Feb 26, 2026 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Awareness of the inequities experienced by autistic girls and women can be the first step to resolving the barriers they face. In this workshop, an autistic self-advocate and a non-autistic educator/researcher will discuss the challenges experienced by girls and women on the spectrum. Gender stereotypes may influence perceptions of autism characteristics, contributing to delays in diagnosing individuals identified as female at birth. In addition, girls and women are often overlooked in autism research, training, and service provision. The presenters will offer some potential solutions to these challenges, based on both personal experience and research. 

Facilitator(s): Pat Mirenda, Ph. D and Nicole Provost

Nicole Provost is a commercial pilot and is enrolled in the Integrated Studies and Aviation program at the University of the Fraser Valley. As a person on the autism spectrum, she is passionate about empowering neurodiverse youth. Nicole founded and currently directs the Mayday Club, a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives and career opportunities of young people with neurodiversities and disabilities. She is also a co-coordinator of Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization (VYPER), where she leads projects that support and uplift Indigenous youth through cultural revitalization.

 

Pat Mirenda, Ph.D.: Pat is Professor Emerita in the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology and Special Education, and past Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA) at the University of British Columbia. She taught graduate and undergraduate courses at UBC from 1994-2020 on topics that include augmentative communication, autism spectrum disorder, inclusive education, applied behaviour analysis, and positive behavior support. She has published over 200 research articles, books, and chapters and presents frequently at international, national, and regional conferences. After retiring from UBC at the end of 2020, she worked closely with the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth from 2022-24 and has served as Chair of the BC Disability Collaborative since 2023. 

Important Details to Note Prior to Registering:

  • This online free training is offered to childcare staff working in Burnaby and Vancouver. 
  • Only registered individuals will be allowed to join the workshop.
  • Professionals attending will receive a professional development certificate if applicable within one week of the workshop.
  • Participation is required. Your video needs to be on, your camera must be enabled and your microphone working to receive your certificate. Participants must stay for the full workshop/course to receive a certificate.
  • You can join the Zoom link 15 minutes prior to the presentation start time. We will not admit anyone 15 minutes after the start time with respect to the presenters and participants.
  • All participants are expected to complete an online survey after the training.
  • If you cannot attend please do your best to provide 48 hours notice. If you do not cancel and do not show up you will be put on a waitlist and removed from future trainings.