Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I have recently been diagnosed with autism. I have always found my job as a teacher extremely hard, but always thought that everyone was finding it as hard as me.
Now, after extensive reading, I know that how much I struggle in a class of children is because of my sensory processing - especially with noise.
I have put together a little bag of calming things to try and help - fidget spinner, stress ball, ear plugs, etc. But I was wondering what other people use?
I find the noise at times just too much, and I can't leave the classroom, so it has to be things I can sit and do at my desk and will not distract the children.
Any help would be greatly received!
Thanks,
L
Hi L
I was a teacher/lecturer for 20+ years and, like you, recently diagnosed with autism. I've been away from the classroom for over 2 years now so diagnosis was not while I was a teacher.
While sat down at my desk when students were working and if I didn't want to disturb them, I'd freeze the board for the class and get ready for the next bit of the lesson or the next lesson. I'd bought an XP graphics pen for about £40 which meant I could write on the smart board from my seat (or even just doodle/play with the smart board software features). I don't know if that helps at all.
I genuinely thought I was a bit deaf (how naive of me looking back!) as I couldn't hear learners speaking with me if there was background noise. They seemed to be patient with me when I told them I was a bit deaf. I continued using that excuse even after an ENT doctor told me my ears looked absolutely fine. My investigations then led me to suspect ADHD at first but without anything concrete I just explained it as deafness still. I do wonder if those loop earplugs might be useful in the classroom? I think I'm going to get some for being in pubs.
Although I felt trapped a lot of the time, not having any confidence to get away or not knowing what I wanted to get away to even, I did love it eventually and I do miss it. It's good to try something slightly less overwhelming though. I do wished I'd known sooner just how valuable the transferrable skills you learn while teaching are in the 'outside world' though.
All the very best to you in your job and with your diagnosis too. Take it easy.
A
I completely relate to the thinking I was a bit deaf thing, and will definitely try the freezing the board.
It is a job I am doing part time while I am studying to qualify to work in a different field so hopefully these strategies can help until then as I can't keep having burnouts so often.
Thanks for the advice :)