Event Details
Date/Time/Location
Friday, April 17, 2026
4:00 – 5:30PM
Online
Training Description
Despite growing awareness, thousands of girls and women with autism remain undiagnosed due to longstanding research biases that have historically focused on male presentations. This diagnostic gap has significant implications for mental health: nearly 80% of autistic females have at least one co-occurring mental health condition, and 20% experience psychiatric hospitalization by age 25. This presentation will explore the unique characteristics of the female autism phenotype, offer strategies for more accurate identification, and highlight best practices for providing effective, compassionate support to autistic girls and women.
Training Objectives
- Participants will be able to identify how research biases have contributed to the underdiagnosis of girls and women with autism.
- Participants will be able to articulate distinguishing characteristics of autism in females, including common masking behaviors and co-occurring mental health challenges.
- Participants will be able to understand practical approaches for mental health support that reflect their unique needs of girls and women.
Target Audience
professionals, parents/caregivers/adults with ASD
About the Presenter
Cheryl Checkers, M.S., LMHC-QS, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida
Cheryl Checkers, M.S., LMHC-QS, NCC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. She leads a private practice specializing in therapy for autistic adolescents and adults with co-occurring mental health conditions. In addition to her clinical work, Cheryl serves as a consultant for the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. She earned her Master of Science in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and holds advanced certifications in autism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With more than 20 years of experience supporting autistic individuals and their families, Cheryl is a respected speaker at both local and regional levels. Her presentations focus on autism and mental health, with particular emphasis on the female autism phenotype.
Accommodations
We strive to host accessible events that enable all individuals living in our catchment area* to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Dr. Danielle Liso at 352-265-2241 or card-training@ufl.edu.
*Counties Served by UF CARD: Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union
If you live in a different county in Florida, find your CARD here.
Contact
Danielle Liso
card-training@ufl.edu
352-265-2241