Published on 12, July, 2020
I am a teacher and there have been lots of changes at my school lately and I have a few meltdowns in the last few weeks.
This morning I was upset and asked to speak to the acting head abd she was horrible. Told me I need to pull myself together and snap out of it. When I walk through the door I need to be in work mode. I need to pull myself together. She said either I am fit to work or not and I should go to my GP if I keep having these "episodes".
I felt completely belittled and like a child who had been told off.
As an autistic teacher, that behaviour by the acting head is utterly inexcusable. Whether you choose to perceive it that way or not, autism counts as a disability and you have a right to have reasonable adjustments made.
Have you tried discussing with your SENCO? They will be familiar with autism and can sometimes be useful in mediating with a difficult member of SLT.
I spoke to the senco and she said to give it 24 hours for my feelings to die down before I decide what to do.
I would agree with that to the extent of yes, don't hand in your notice first thing tomorrow or anything like that! But I do think you need someone who knows what they're talking about (and presumably has some clout - I know our SENCOs have always been SLT) to facilitate a discussion. Not only is it a worrying way to treat staff, but that level of ignorance regarding autism is not something I would want to see from anyone working in a school.