Educational Experiences
Why Might Some Autistic People Find Education a Challenge?
Why Might Some Autistic People Find Education a Challenge?
Why Might Some Autistic People Find Education a Challenge?
According to research and lived experience, autistic people can struggle to access education. This may be for several reasons.
- There is often a requirement for a high level of social interaction and engagement.
- Journeying to and from the setting.
- Sensory processing differences – busy environments, loud noises, smells in the canteen.
- Unstructured times can be hard to navigate.
- We may struggle to ask for help when needed – we may not know how to ask for help or may feel embarrassed in front of peers.
- Processing information and managing high workloads can be problematic.
- Bullying – can cause feelings of worthlessness.
- Being misunderstood by education staff can lead to frustration and feelings of isolation.
- Experiencing anxiety leading to physical health issues.
My Personal Experience of Education
Why Might Some Autistic People Find Education a Challenge?
Why Might Some Autistic People Find Education a Challenge?
My education, from primary school through to university, has been a rollercoaster journey, fraught with anxiety and misunderstandings. At times, my anxiety was debilitating. As an example, at mainstream secondary school, I was unable to smile or speak to people, and I did not eat lunch for six weeks due to sensory overwhelm. I have had my confidence shattered by education staff who believe they understood my needs. Social communication has always been a struggle for me. I have had constant battles when trying to express my needs and get my voice heard. I had glimpses of hope, when attending an alternative provision and undertaking my master’s degree. However, my mainstream education experiences have tainted my view of education.
I am now striving to improve the education system for autistic young people. I urge you to listen to autistic people’s lived experiences and consider the true purpose of education. Should we be squeezing young people through a sausage machine, demoralising them in the process, or should we be fostering young people’s innate creativity and curiosity whilst offering them tailored support? Should we be prioritising exams and rote learning or should we promote life skills, positive well-being and self-belief?