Confidence Looks Different: Creating a Space Where Neurodivergent Girls Can Thrive

For many young people, confidence is often associated with being outgoing, speaking up in class, or taking centre stage. But confidence comes in many forms, and for neurodivergent girls, it can look very different.

Sometimes confidence is trying a new activity for the first time. Sometimes it is starting a conversation with a new friend. Sometimes it is simply walking through the door of a new group and feeling comfortable enough to stay.

At Hillingdon Autistic Care & Support (HACS), we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in a way that feels right for her. That belief is at the heart of our Good for Girls programme.

A Safe Space to Connect and Grow

Good for Girls is a weekly group for neurodivergent girls aged 10 to 14, including those with a diagnosis and those currently undergoing assessment.

Taking place every Tuesday at the HACS Resource Centre in Hayes, the programme provides a welcoming and supportive environment where young people can connect with others who understand their experiences.

Through a range of engaging activities, including sports, movement, arts and crafts, games and talking circles, participants can explore their interests, develop new skills and build meaningful friendships.

Most importantly, they can be themselves.

Why Programmes Like Good for Girls Matter

Research and lived experience tell us that neurodivergent girls are often underrepresented and can face unique challenges when it comes to social connection, self-esteem and belonging.

Many spend their school day trying to fit in or masking aspects of themselves to meet social expectations. This can be exhausting and can affect confidence and wellbeing over time.

Good for Girls offers an alternative.

The programme creates opportunities for participants to meet peers who share similar experiences, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and encouraging authentic connections. In an environment that celebrates individuality, girls can participate without pressure and develop confidence at their own pace.

Confidence Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

One of the key messages behind Good for Girls is simple:

Confidence looks different for every girl.

For one participant, confidence may mean joining a group activity. For another, it could be sharing an idea during a talking circle. For someone else, it might be creating a piece of artwork that expresses who they are.

Every achievement matters.

By recognising and celebrating these different expressions of confidence, we help young people build a positive sense of identity and develop the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Building Friendships and Community

Alongside confidence building, friendships are one of the most valuable outcomes of the programme.

Many participants tell us that knowing they have a space where they are understood makes a significant difference to their week. The connections they form through Good for Girls often extend beyond individual sessions, helping them feel part of a supportive community.

For parents and carers, this can be equally meaningful. Seeing their child develop friendships, look forward to activities and grow in self-belief is often transformative.

Join Good for Girls

Good for Girls takes place every Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the HACS Resource Centre, Dudley Place, Off Pinkwell Lane, Hayes UB3 1PB.

The programme is open to neurodivergent females aged 10 to 14, including those currently on the pathway to diagnosis.

If you would like to find out more or discuss a referral, please contact:

📧 amandeep@hacs.org.uk📞 0208 606 6780

Together, we can create spaces where young people feel accepted, valued and empowered to grow into their own unique strengths. Because confidence doesn't have to look the same for everyone, and every girl deserves the opportunity to flourish.