Published on 12, July, 2020
I have noticed questions by carers about their children during lunch breaks. This got me thinking of my own experience.
I left school over 40 years ago and it is only in the last few years I realized I was autistic.
When I was at school a lot of lessons were quite formal which suited me. However when it came to lunchtime as all the schools I went to were nearby I went home for lunch. In the Junior school quite a few people went home for lunchtime which was nearly an hour and a half. Most occasions when I stayed it was for a club but I didn't like being at school for the whole day and especially the long lunch break.
I wonder if modern schools are more of a challenge for autistics.
Secondary school was brilliant, especially sixth form. I got to study my special interests all day around a small group of friends I'd known for 6-7 years. Lunchtimes I would either study more or go for a walk as we were allowed out by then. I got six As at A level plus an extra AS and the material was never difficult enough for that to be in doubt. Expectations were clear and achievable.
I didn't like primary. Too chaotic. Nursery was downright traumatic.