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Advice please - think I made a terrible mistake

NAS80563

So I was referred for an autism assessment last year and am still waiting to be seen (am expecting a LONG wait to be frank).

I am also preparing to become a trainee teacher in September. I didn't mention the fact that I'm possibly autistic in the interview because I honestly didn't think I needed to.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I had a disastrous meeting with a course lead. I think I was way too honest and blunt and kept digging myself into holes. Afterwards I felt guilty and didn't want her to think I had been a *** on purpose, so I emailed and apologised, and - here's the kicker - told her I'm on the spectrum.

Now, I think I am, but I have NOT been formally diagnosed. I got an email from the course provider this morning saying that in light of my recent disclosure of being autistic, they're going to have to reevaluate my entire course offer and see if they're still willing to offer me a place, and in short, I might get thrown out of teacher training before I've even begun, because I told a woman that I'm autistic (which I still think I probably am).

I've responded and explained that I'm waiting for diagnosis which is why I didn't formally disclose (because I didn't think it was appropriate) but I'm worried they're going to think I'm a pathological liar or something now and that I've ruined my career.

I am a complete idiot. What the hell do I do????

Parents

  • My Lord! Are you trying to tell me that there are no teachers in the country or the world who are on the spectrum? HahaHA! I mean literally HA! 

    Give me a break... who cares if you have autism/ are autistic / are blunt with some assessor... 

    Are you good to your students? Are you any good at teaching? I've been taught by some serious mean hearted "teachers" over the years - before anyone ever heard of autism... what matters is that you can respect students, prioritise their welfare and can actually impart knowledge and develop learning skills and a love of learning in students.

    Join a union and request an apology from the "silly billy" who suggests that your application should be reassessed on the basis of you possibly being autistic!!!! Get in contact with and develop some networks with your student union, and any student support dept at your uni. 

    Take some slow deep breaths, don't panic, stand your ground and don't let them get you down. 

  • in reply to NAS80589

    Thank you for the advice, I'm definitely planning on joining a teachers union as soon as I can. I've spent the last 2 years working as an LSA in a sixth-form supporting disabled students, and it's actually what made me decide to become a teacher - I wanted to be a sympathetic ear in a system that doesn't always listen to disabled and neurodiverse students. I hope I'm a good teacher - as a private tutor, I haven't had any complaints so far! Thank you again Slight smile

Reply
  • in reply to NAS80589

    Thank you for the advice, I'm definitely planning on joining a teachers union as soon as I can. I've spent the last 2 years working as an LSA in a sixth-form supporting disabled students, and it's actually what made me decide to become a teacher - I wanted to be a sympathetic ear in a system that doesn't always listen to disabled and neurodiverse students. I hope I'm a good teacher - as a private tutor, I haven't had any complaints so far! Thank you again Slight smile

Children
  • in reply to NAS80563

    Personal experience, avoid the NEU.  Find a Union with a dedicated "disabled members" helpline.  The NEU did not understand adult autism and I believe conspire with the schools when the schools have a problem with you.  I couldn't even get the Deputy General Secretary to address my concerns, and Mary Bousted (the joint head) hasn't responded.  They provided me with lawyers waaayyyy too late in my disciplinary causing personal injury to my mental health that they haven't taken accountability for.  If possible, find a non-teaching union that deals with education members..... like a general union.  The education ones are all about "not rocking the boat".