I am writing in response to the call for submissions to the inquiry to Support
for Autistic Children & Young People in Schools.
I am the parent of an autistic child. I have been very fortunate that my
child’s primary school has been very supportive of both myself and my child.
I do believe that the teachers would benefit from more training (professional
development) about neurodiversity and how best to support neurodiverse children
in the classroom.
I know my child does so well until they don’t. They can deal with all the
little things in a classroom - too many kids in a small space, sudden
unexpected noises, an unexpected change in routine. Then one small thing will
be the straw that broke the camel’s back. They will scream and get upset. But
the scream was not my child being naughty and needing to be punished. It was my
child doing their best in a world that is not built for them.
Giving kids bumps and sending them to a different classroom can be very harmful
to neurodiverse children. They feel like they are wrong/broken and don’t always
understand why they are being sent to another classroom.
Suggestions:
Children do when they can. Our kids need extra support.
We can give them access to built in regular movement breaks.
We can also give our kids access to sensory toys/fidgets as needed.
Presume competence.
Start with the more difficult task first.
Break big tasks into little ones.
Show the everyday utility in the task.
Show the child what the completed task should look like.
Allowing kids to come to school for half days or have the occasional mental
health day is very useful.
Eye contact can be painful for neurodiverse kids and should not be forced.
Some kids learn by fidgeting and moving, it helps them concentrate. Please
don’t force them to sit still or discourage them from stimming.
I do acknowledge that there are lots of kids in the classroom and most teachers
are doing their best. I also understand why some teachers are burning out.
Giving the teachers more support and smaller classroom sizes would be very
helpful to lighten the load.
It would also be helpful to have funding for sensory toys and special
cushions/chairs. Or even quiet spaces for kids to go to at school.
Please note the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis methods can traumatise our
children. I don’t need my kid to look more neurotypical. I want my kid to be
happy and be true to themself.
I do believe that autism is more prevalent in schools, because the parents of
neurodiverse children now have access to more information and resources. Also,
due to the update of the DSM5 Criteria.
Thank you for your time and consideration.