Autism in education
Autism in education|Lifelong Pathways
I was fortunate to be amongst the 100 speakers at the national Aspect Autism in Education conference held in Melbourne in May. It was an honour to present alongside the likes of Tim Sharp, Patrick Schwarz and Jeanette Purkis.
The weather in Melbourne was glorious. I was expecting rain and wind but the days were clear and sunny.
Tim a sharp was one of the first presenters, and it was the first time he had done so without his mum Judy by his side. What an honour to witness. He did a great job and I was delighted to catch up with Judy again in one of the breaks. She remembered when we met in Melbourne and I commented on how her statement “no matter how hard things get you can always give a little bit more”. This really resonated with me, because there are some days that you have to dig deep. We hugged and said our goodbyes until the next time.
A dear friend had given me a heads up’ that Patrick Schwarz was very animated when he presented. And yes he was. I don’t think I have every started listening to a plenary session by doing a kick boxing routine! And nor am I likely to in the near future. He had plenty of messages and advice about how to support students with autism in education settings. He is a big believer in inclusion – inclusion for all. Lots of people talk the talk and don’t walk the walk, but Patrick was not one of them.
It was so interesting to hear him share the responses he gets when he tells people that he works in special education. “You must have a lot of patience” and, “that must be so hard” as well as “I couldn’t do that”. What was insightful is that these responses are the same, no matter where you are in the world.
His messages about autism in education were that everyone needs help, no one is fully independent. He illustrated this beautifully by saying that he needed an engine replaced on his car. He didn’t know how to do that, so he found someone that could help him.
I took it upon myself to talk to him when the session ended. I told him about how we have our own network, a group of parent allies and each of my sons had a support network at school, it has made such a difference in our lives. He said that he could feel the passion I have for giving my boys a good life. What an amazing opportunity to meet him. I love sharing stories with people who also feel so strongly about inclusion.
Chris Barney, CEO of the I CAN Network, spoke about how it is time that a Australia viewed autism as a discovery, rather than a deficit. For too long people with autism have been told to keep their heads down. He wants things to change. He spoke about how the I CAN Network is assisting those with autism in education in tertiary settings. Liaison with the disability unit and the student unions give a collaborative approach to enabling young students on the spectrum to have a successful experience in tertiary education. He also spoke about how to know when to give someone on the spectrum a gentle push. The importance of knowing when and how is challenging, but the benefits can be profound. This is something that Temple Grandin spoke about when she was in Melbourne November last year. It is also something we experience with our sons; for example, Gabriel would not have played chess without a gentle ‘push’ of encouragement to start it.
For more information on the I CAN Network, please view the following link: http://icannetwork.com.au/
I went to a really interesting presentation on school connectedness by Ian Shochet of Queensland University of Technology. He spoke about school connectedness, highly relevant for autism in education. So what is school connectedness? It is the feeling of being valued and the sense of being included. It’s both, not just being valued which is just being included. He spoke about everyone at school being a VIP, a Valued and Included person.
Then it was my turn. I presented in the Engagement and Connection section. My talk was well received and someone said afterwards that they wished I lived in Victoria so that I could help them set up Circles@School! The chair of the session invited me to speak at a conference she is arranging in Cairns in 2018. She said my story would be an inspiration to many.
Autism in education|Lifelong Pathways
I look forward to the opportunity, I love talking about my boys and how my husband and I are building a good life for them. Their autism in education experience has been so vastly different to what it could have been.
The next day people came and approached me with questions. It was so nice to be able to share part of our journey with others. If it makes a difference in the lives of other children with additional needs then it is all the more worth it.
Janette Purkis was one of the closing speakers. She talked about her experiences with autism in education, only she was diagnosed after she finished school! This meant that she accomplished all of her school years without any extra accommodations or support, and was exposed to lots of bullying.
Dr Emma Goodall was also one of the final presenters. She shared something which I really appreciated. That is, the ‘D’ in ASD is a misunderstanding; it is not a disorder, just a difference. There was applause from the audience. I found it really upsetting when an academic who was presenting on his research on the previous day referred to Aspergers Syndrome as ‘Aspergers Disorder’. I’ve never ever heard of it described as this I found it offensive. Thank goodness we have pole like Emma around to share a different perspective about difference.
I was also fortunate enough to get my book “A Guide To Good Mental Health On The Autism Spectrum’ signed by both Emma and Jeanette at the conference. Unfortunately Jane Nugent wasn’t at the conference, Maybe I will get to meet her one day.
Autism in education|Lifelong Pathways
There were many different perspectives shared on autism in education from researchers, parents and people on the spectrum. It was a pleasure to be a part of the 647 delegates at the Aspect Autism in Education conference for 2016.