Autism Awareness Week

Local specialist teacher, Sarah Keelty, writes a blog about Autism, and education as part of our Autism Awareness Week celebrations.

This month’s guest blog article is from Sarah Keelty, Teacher: Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS) at Fosseway School.

Over 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.

Even though autistic children and young people account for just over 1% of the school population, they make up 2.5 per cent of all exclusions. (Ambitious about Autism, 2018). In addition, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has recently published new data that shows just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of employment. More than 80% of autistic young people have experienced mental health issues (National Autistic Society website, 2021)

The first step to changing the national picture around autism is raising our awareness. So, please welcome to the stage: National Autism Awareness Week, 29th March-4th April 2021.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) would love you to get involved and help create a world that works for autistic people; find resources and information at https://www.autism.org.uk/

It’s okay if you’re reading this and you feel you don’t know much about autism. It’s okay if you’re reading this and you don’t think you’ve ever met an autistic person. It’s okay if you’re reading this and you have met an autistic person before but felt some element of fear of the unknown. (It’s just great you’re reading this… pass it on!)

Let’s start with celebrating neurodiversity and difference

You may have heard of some of the ‘problems’ or ‘deficits’ of autism… but it’s more helpful to think in terms of the positive differences we can see:

  • Great attention to detail: thoroughness, accuracy
    • Ability to focus deeply on something: freedom from distraction
    • Observational skills: listen, look, learn, approach
    • Absorb and retain facts: excellent long term memory and recall
    • Visual skills: visual learning and recall; detail focussed
    • Expertise: in depth knowledge; high level of skills
    • Methodical approach: analytical
    • Novel approach: unique thought process; innovative solutions
    • Creativity: distinctive imagination; expression of ideas
    • Tenacity and Resilience: determination; challenge received opinions
    • Accepting of Difference: less likely to judge others; may question norms
    • Integrity: honesty, loyalty, commitment

But just like every unique human being on this planet, every experience of autism is unique. We all have our own individual blend of skills, attributes and personality traits: this is the power of neurodiversity!

Understanding and celebrating different ways of thinking can unlock the power of the autistic mind.

Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, has been an incredible example of such power, as an influential and determined individual on the autism spectrum whose tenacity and integrity has inspired a generation. In her own words: “I have Asperger’s and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And – given the right circumstances – being different is a superpower. #aspiepower.”

Ways we can kick start awareness in schools, workplaces or community groups…

  • Start discussions about how we are all different
    • Explain that autism is a hidden disability
    • Challenge stereotypes about autism: preconceived ideas about eccentric interests and meltdowns
    • Refer to positive autistic role models and the positive strengths of autism
    • Acknowledge social differences to encourage peer understanding
    • Encourage collaboration between mainstream and special schools, adult community groups and workplaces

By raising awareness around autism we can provide those perfect circumstances for autistic people to live a life where they feel noticed, valued and respected. Most of all – accepted. And surely that’s what we all want? To be accepted, just as we are.

You can contact the Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS) on 01761 412198 Ext. 2 or at sass@fossewayschool.com

  • Support for autistic individuals seeking employment and employers wanting support to create accessible job opportunities:

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/employment

http://www.fossewayschool.co.uk/project-search/

  • More on schools and exclusions:

https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/exclusions/

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started