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Learning From Autistic Teachers: How to Be a Neurodiversity-Inclusive School by Rebecca Wood .. PDF



In this strikingly honest collection, developed from a pioneering new research project, autistic teachers and other autistic school professionals share their stories of the challenges and successes of their careers. Contributors challenge assumptions and stereotypes whilst highlighting the unique strengths autistic staff can bring to schools when their own needs are accommodated.



The book explores exclusion and identity, understanding and acceptance, intersectionality and facilitating inclusion. It also celebrates the positives that come with being an autistic teacher, such as relating to neurodivergent pupils and conveying passion and enthusiasm for a subject through intense interests, or demonstrating particular skills in school leadership. It examines how workplace set up can sometimes exclude autistic individuals and lead to skilled teachers and those in other education roles, including visiting professionals, leaving the profession, and sets out the accommodations that can prevent this from happening.



Table of contents :

Cover

Of related interest

Title page

Copyright

Contents

Foreword: Dr Laura Crane and Professor Francesca Happé

Acknowledgements

Introduction: Autism and Inclusion: Have We Been Looking in the Wrong Direction?: Dr Rebecca Wood



Part 1: Understanding Autistic Teachers

1. Special Interests and Their Role in Keeping the Teacher in the Classroom: Pete Wharmby

2. Dealing with Change: Alan Morrison

3. Mentorship for Autistic School Staff: A Prerequisite for Career Success: Yasmeen Multani

4. Inclusion Isn’t Just for Children: The Marginalisation of Autistic Educators Due to Ableism in Schools: Kieran Rose



Part 2: Intersectionalities:

5. Life on the Margins: A Peripatetic Perspective: Madge Woollard

6. What Does Autism Look Like? Experiences of a Mixed-Race Autistic Woman: Jade Ponnudurai

7. Perspectives of a Well-Travelled Specialist Outreach Teacher in a Pupil Referral Unit: Susanna Matthan

8. The Intersection of Autism, Race and Teacher Training: Eiman Munro



Part 3: Facilitating Inclusion:

9. An Unusual Teacher: Elkie Kammer

10. Bridging the Gap: Life as an Autistic Special Educational Needs Organiser: Joan McDonald

11. Working in Partnership: An Approach that Benefits Everyone: Dr Ruth Moyse

12. All About Us: Learning About Being Autistic from My Autistic Pupils: Andrew Miller



Part 4: Strengths and Leadership

13. Autistic Teachers : Utilising Their Strengths: Lucy Coward

14. Navigating the Teaching Profession: Mica Jayne Coleman Jones

15. How Being Autistic Helps Me as a School Leader: A Solution-Focused Approach: Claire O’Neill



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