SCHOOLS have united to stop autistic girls from 'struggling in silence' in Oxfordshire's classrooms.

Staff from 20 schools across the county gathered at LVS Oxford, which offers specialist education for students on the autism spectrum.

Special educational needs coordinators, teachers and teaching assistants learned how to better support girls with the condition.

Head of school, Louisa Allison-Bergin, said: "The workshop was so important. Educators in mainstream schools clearly want to do the very best for all their students, and need the knowledge to be able to identify girls who may be struggling in silence.

"With the right support, as the right time, these girls can thrive and achieve great things.

"We just need to ensure that they don't slip under the radar, as that is doing them a great injustice."

The session took place last Friday and was the first in a series of LVS Oxford workshops, aimed at sharing the Begbroke school's expertise.

Teachers discussed how to overcome challenges posed by the condition, which can include anxiety and impaired social interaction.

They learnt that many girls have not been formally diagnosed, and how to spot characteristics.

Caitlin Ireland, head girl at LVS Oxford, said her diagnosis of autism in 2014 helped her understand her differences.

The 17-year-old, who lives in Bicester, said: "Before my diagnosis, I was very anxious about things like homework and wouldn't be able to cope when given essays to write.

"It would get so bad that I would have to have time off school, but I was reluctant to speak to teachers about it as I didn't want to get into trouble.

"My diagnosis was actually a big relief and I started to understand the reason why I experienced certain difficulties."

She said she now feels supported, adding: "With the help of my family and staff at school, I had the confidence to work with the feelings rather than against them."

Among speakers at the workshop was Deirdre Nic Sitric, who founded Autism Champions - a team of teachers with specialist autism training.

She noted that autism was historically associated with males, adding: "Girls tend to be better than boys at masking their difficulties and are generally better at mirroring friends to cover up their social communication and relationship issues.

"However, they pay a price for keeping things together during the school day. Autistic girls are at much higher risk of mental health difficulties.

"This workshop looked at the challenges that autistic girls face and the differences between boys' and girls' experience of autism."

She said she was 'delighted' by the positive feedback from attendees of the event.

Details about the next workshop have not yet been announced.