Northwich teen launches new service for girls and women with autism

Former Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College pupil Abbie Unsworth has announced the launch of a new service, My Autism and I.

Having been diagnosed herself when she was 15, Abbie is looking to use her experiences to offer one-to-one support to young women and girls with autism.

Abbie, now 19, said: “Growing up, I found it incredibly challenging to access the support I needed, especially during my teenage years when everything felt even more overwhelming.

“The resources available were minimal, and when I did find help, it often came from well-meaning individuals who were neurotypical and simply couldn’t fully understand what I was going through.

“This disconnect made it hard to find support that truly resonated with me. I knew I wasn’t alone in feeling this way, especially for girls and young women, who often present autism differently and are frequently misunderstood or overlooked.

“With 'My Autism and I,' my mission is to fill that gap—to provide a space where young autistic girls and women can find the understanding and support, they need from someone who genuinely gets it.”

Abbie, from Northwich, says parents and teachers first noticed signs of autism in her when she was 10 years old.

However, it wasn’t until she was 13 that they actively sought a diagnosis, which came two years later.

Abbie said: “The diagnosis was both a relief and a challenge.

The My Autism and I website homepage (Image: www.myautismandi.com)

“On one hand, it provided answers and helped me understand why I had been feeling the way I did for so many years.

“On the other hand, it was difficult to fully accept because it meant acknowledging that I would face unique challenges for the rest of my life.

“However, knowing what was going on gave me the power to start finding strategies to cope better and to eventually thrive.”

Abbie enrolled at Edge Hill University to study Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing, with the aim of using this to help others like her.

Unfortunately, her time at university didn’t go as planned and Abbie dropped out in February 2024.

Not wanting to give up on her dream, she has now launched My Autism and I, which will offer personalised support to 10-to-20-year-olds.

“These years are often filled with significant changes - both physically and emotionally - which can be particularly challenging for someone on the spectrum,” Abbie said.

“My services are designed to help them navigate these changes, offering guidance, understanding, and practical strategies.

“Whether they are struggling with social anxiety, communication issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the world around them, I aim to provide the support they need.

“My approach is always tailored to the unique needs of each person, recognising that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition.”

She added: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive and I am incredibly grateful for the support and interest I’ve received so far.

“Hearing the stories of other young women and their families has only reinforced my belief in the importance of this work.

“While it’s heartbreaking to learn about the struggles they face, it’s also motivating—I’m determined to make a real difference in their lives.”

The first My Autism and I sessions, which are online or in person, will take place next week.

Abbie said: “This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to growing 'My Autism and I' into a supportive community where young autistic women can find the understanding and help they deserve.”

For more information, visit www.myautismandi.com.