Event Information
Based on her recent research, Dr Rebecca Wood, Senior Lecturer in Special Education at the University of East London, discusses the difficulties experienced by autistic school staff in schools in the UK. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she found that just as autistic children and young people can be overwhelmed by the school environment and lack understanding and support, autistic school staff experience the same problems. Major issues too were that autistic staff - including Head teachers, deputy Head teachers, SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants and a range of subject specialists - felt unable to be open about being autistic, and struggled with a lack of necessary accommodations and the high level of social interactions with colleagues. However, her research also showed that when provided with a supportive and inclusive environment, autistic people can be highly successful in the education profession, facilitating participation and inclusion for autistic and other children, and serving as important role models for pupils and parents. A summary report of her initial findings can be downloaded here.
This session will be of interest to school staff, autistic people and parents.
About Rebecca
Dr Rebecca Wood is a former teacher and autism education practitioner who is a Senior Lecturer in Special Education at the University of East London. She completed her PhD at the University of Birmingham where she was also project manager of the Transform Autism Education project. This was followed by an ESRC postdoctoral Fellowship at King's College London. Her book, Inclusive Education for Autistic Children is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. One of the book chapters, on the theme of Communication, is available as a free download.
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