“School…can offer a great deal to pupils with autism, but it also presents them with daunting challenges. […] Flexischooling allows school, parents and child to work together, as a team. In so many ways it is a thoroughly ‘autism friendly’ approach, and is one recommended by many autism experts.”
“I wanted to communicate that there is hope for all learners, that everyone can find a way to learn that is personal and successful. I wanted to share how to translate what a student is saying not just by listening to their words, but by listening to the essence of who they are as a learner. This is not something that can be communicated simply, and it is not a way of being that comes naturally to all teachers… Teaching is generally considered an activity that one does ‘to’ another. I think of teaching as something that I do ‘for’ that other person. The learning is theirs, the experience of change is theirs, and for me the main thrill is when that student starts finding his or her ‘voice’.”
By Jennifer Cook O’Toole, social worker, teacher, “Aspie Mommy” and author of Asperkids. Long before my first baby could read, she knew her logos. Mommy…
In this interview, Maisie Voyager – star of the new novel, The Adventure of Maisie Voyager – takes some time from treasure hunting, travelling and taking on…
“Disputes inevitably test mediators’ skills to the limit. They are also a powerful reminder of what I refer to in some detail in the book: namely that they should never be applied outside of a framework of appropriate professional values, attitudes and cultural sensitivity and awareness. Skills, strategies and professionals practice can never be value-free.”
Michael Barton is a student with high functioning autism. In this 60 second (short) interview, he gives his top tips for surviving school and shares…
Here, Gail Watts – mother of a son on the Autism spectrum and primary school teacher – shares a couple of her favourite illustrations from her new book, Kevin Thinks…about Outer…
“Our alcohol fuelled world must impact on children and young people who look to us to see what being a grown up is all about. Unlike other drugs, alcohol is socially acceptable and almost expected in some instances. It is actually quite hard to be teetotal and socialise in pubs without attracting attention and unwanted questions about why you are refraining.”
“Having daughters on the spectrum has made me a better parent. I really think about my parenting, and I understand that my role is to help my girls develop into the best people they can be. It is not about me, and what I want for them. It cannot be about ego, and I think that is a valuable lesson that parents of children with special needs learn early on, but one that all parents need to learn.”
“I have had a range of managers who, probably like most people, have ranged from “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. My best managers have provided me with the opportunity to grow, challenge, develop my skills, provided support, compassion and humanity.”