EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

Hi, just to let you know, friends on Facebook are asking how they can support me and my right to work without discrimination or bullying and I am asking them to lobby

Parliament through this link appga@nas.org.uk.  We often think of providing a service to Autistic people within schools but not realise that there actually may be teaching and

support staff on the spectrum, who are excluded and are afraid to be open as I was.due to the consequences.  Has anyone seen the film about a gay man in 'Phillidelphia'  who was 

bullied and lost his job, well we are facing that today.  I may have poor mental health right now but I still have my right to employment and was not asked to resign because I was useless

but due to the 'environment' not compatible with my autism, in the Principals words.  School Academies are not autistic friendly for both students or staff on the spectrum, Government needs

to know.

Parents
  • I know what you mean. I'm going through a competency review right now due to my "communication issues". My union is helping me a lot, but we'll see how far I can force myself to adjust to their way of doing things.

    Not that it's been a problem in the first 10 years I've been here, but I get a diagnosis and suddenly an excuse pops up as to why I'm unsuitable.

Reply
  • I know what you mean. I'm going through a competency review right now due to my "communication issues". My union is helping me a lot, but we'll see how far I can force myself to adjust to their way of doing things.

    Not that it's been a problem in the first 10 years I've been here, but I get a diagnosis and suddenly an excuse pops up as to why I'm unsuitable.

Children
  • The psychiatrist I met saw nothing wrong in my interaction with autistic children, he thought I was an asset to the school if given the appropriate support, without being too stressed.  However this did not happen and the senior leadership team ignored his advice, until one evening I had a very bad crisis and ended up self harming, not a thing I have done in years, since I was fifteen.  My GP was very concerned and was very angry and signed me off sick until the end of term, that's when I handed in my badge and was told that I had made the right decision.  I think it's a point of view about whatever is appropriate, obviously hugs are out of the question but recognising feelings and actions similar to your own helps a child to feel valued for who they are.  This idea of corrective behaviour can be very damaging, like forcing gay people to be straight.  I have my own quirks and ideas, they were horrified to think that I sit in the woods on my own at lunch, listening to the birds, however my Nan and Granps often went on picnics into the countryside.  What is wrong with people, difference should be celebrated and explored.